when I was young

In the pool, the light so bright
monster games, screams of delight 
soaring dives through the air
wrinkly fingers, chlorine hair
shower, rub dry, then to dream
favourite sweeties at the machine

Football matches night and day
window-scarves batter the way
soggy rain, blistering heat
sudden snow was such a treat
goals, defeat, imposters the same
back in car so glad we came

Summer hols, dinghy, oars
you and me off to explore
beating waves towards the flat
caves and coves and stuff like that
salty smiles, so much puff
never seemed to have enough

Garden golf, treehouse high
underground camp (no word of a lie!)
pully, ropes, swings, bonfire
willow tree with its own zipwire
grass worn goalmouths, so carefree
last goal wins, 'time for tea!'

Homemade sledges, steep hill climb
back to summit in no time
riding bumps at breakneck speed
one more go it's all agreed
hands so numb, fire all roar
toes and fingers not so sore.