Oxygen

Oxygen

It's drained and lichen grows on cracked concrete
Beyond the mud of River Stour lies
I do not see the present desolation
What I see is a scene which never dies

I was eleven years of age and could not swim
It was war-time and beaches were forbidden
Here on river's edge there is sand
And sparkling pools with depths quite hidden

It was full of miinows which I caught in a net
Took them home to watch them swim and swim
But the lid screwed tight was on the bootle
They floated dead and ugly near the rim

Without oxygen there is no life
Would not catch any fish again
Loved to see them swim and swim
In our pool in the rain

I look at the pool again
And see a twelve year old
Standing on the water's edge
Feeling rather confident and bold

Silly girl tumbled backwards
At the bottom saw grey concrete
A stranger's hand pulled her out
He had a car and put her on seat

Driving home safe to mother
Breathing the lovely oxygen
Of fresh air and kindness
I shall come this way again