Nostalgia At The Fair

Cherry

By skinner_jennifer

Tue, 08 Oct 2019
  • 2204 reads
12 comments
 

A poetic letter never sent.

 

Dear Brian,

do you remember back in 1967 at the annual summer fair that came to our village green? Because I do. Sentimental memories of past nostalgia, traces that appear in my mind are clearer when caught in the web of a catchy tune.

Like patchwork of reflections that play out again and again, when meeting you for the first time, as me and my friend approached the fair ground with excitement of thrilling rides and all that evocative, unforgettable music.

Reminiscent aromas, savouring flavours of hot dogs and burgers loaded with onions and tomato sauce – sweet, pink candy floss wrapped around sticks, a sugary experience that melted on your tongue, those toffee apples all sticky and satisfying.

Amusement machines jangling out weird noises, just waiting to eat up pennies while bells rang out above screaming, sounds of chatter, those sirens reverberating throughout, Bumper cars...or dodgems as we called them back then beckoning us to part with coins,

exhilaration of waltzers as they span around fast, the good looking blonde guy who worked on the rides, Snowy was his name, taking our money and winking at all the young teenagers that caught his eye.

Brian do you recall on the roundabout where the floor would go up and down? Me and you would walk around the middle thinking we were so clever, only the very experienced were allowed to be that daring, as faster and faster it picked up speed,

holding my hand as we went round and round. Heat Wave was playing by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, your favourite sound, you kissed me then said it was our tune, I swooned, I'll remember that moment forever. But in the end that relationship was never to be.

You were eighteen, I'd just turned thirteen, so much age difference sealed our fate. Then there was the fact that you were a mod riding your Vespa and wearing smart attire, while I was what I thought at the time to be a kind of hippy who loved to dress down.

But now we're in October 2019 and I'm old, wiser and grey, but in my heart I feel those moments we shared like they were yesterday.Thank you for those golden memories that nestle in a part of my mind that only you and I can find.

From Jenny. xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificate 12
Poem
Poems
Romance
Biography
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by airyfairy on

Ah Jenny, those magical moments we never forget!  I was right there with you.  Wonderful evocation of the sights, sounds and tastes of the fairground.  I loved your last line as well.  However fleeting the moment, however much happens in between, there's always that time that can only be understood by a particular person.  

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Some memories seem to stick so clearly - maybe it is the link to a tune, or a scent, or even a jarring or worrying thought that happened and sunk the place and incident so firmly in the recesses of mind. But it is interesting to think of those we briefly crossed paths with that share some memories with just us (if they remember them!). Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

A really wonderful result from the IP Jenny. I wonder what he's doing now?

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

That was a wonderful read! You have all the senses here, sight, smell, making it so involving. I am so surprised it is such a short piece of writing as it creates such a strong impression. Also the magic unlikeliness of a fair, with the magic unlikeliness of your relationship. Like a delicious chocolate in a beautiful wrapper

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi airyfairy,

I'm so glad you enjoyed this letter. I've so many records that evoke memories from the past, but Brian I suppose was the first guy who ever kissed me which is what made it so special. 

Thank you so much for reading and also for those lovely cherries.

Jenny.

 

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Rhiannon,

yes, you're right about a tune or a scent. Where would we be without music? I feel lucky to be able to remember those moments from childhood and those all important teenage years that mould us into who we are today.

Appreciate you reading and thank you for your thoughts.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Thanks so much for reading insert. I felt compelled to write this letter for the I P. Music always takes me back to moments from the past.

I have no idea where Brian is, or what he's doing. I only really knew him for that one summer riding around on the back of his Vespa and going to house parties, before he moved away, or at least I never saw him again in our village which was quite small back then.

I'm so glad you enjoyed reading and appreciate you letting me know.

Many thanks again.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hello Di,

the fair used to come to our village every summer and was always something to look forward too. I would spend a good part of my holidays there, you couldn't keep me away.

I know it was short, but a lot can be hard to remember from such a young age, it's just certain situations stand out and takes me right back.

I love the idea of it reminding you of a delicious chocolate in a beautiful wrapper...a bit like Roses Chocolates! smiley

I'm glad you enjoyed reading and also grateful to you for letting me know.

Many thanks.

Jenny.

 

 

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Jenny

 

I am so glad you decided to write more about your childhood memories. This was a very special memory for you, and you told it so well.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Jean,

there's something special about childhood memories, I'm just glad I can recall certain experiences still.

It's always nice to hear from you Jean,  I'm glad you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoy writing about them.

Thank you for letting me know. Gave me a smile. smiley

Jenny.

 

Submitted by onemorething on

Oh parting lines! I loved fairgrounds and crushes on slightly dangerous older boys too. You have reminded me of some of my own! :)

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Isn't it great looking back onemorething. Thinking of the excitement of having some pocket money to spend and going from one ride to another. All those fairground guys, who seemed to us young teenagers to be so clever as they took risks when taking our money, jumping on the back of the Waltzers and chatting as we spun around fast.

Glad I could conjur up your own memories and thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

Jenny. smiley