.4. Alas All Gone Poem by David Threadgold

.4. Alas All Gone

Rating: 5.0


We hadn’t a garage when I was a lad
Our motorbikes stood in the yard
Repairs were done down the back alley
And for grease often used plain white lard

None of my mates carried spanners
Just screwdrivers hammers and pliers
To round off the nuts and the bolt heads
With spoons used to levers off tyres

We never got trained in mechanics
All picking up tips as we went
Checking on oil, fuel and batteries
Or hammering frames straight that got bent

Those BSA’s, Triumphs and Enfield’s
We all polished up till they shone
Are sadly a long distant memory
Admired but alas now all gone


© 2008 David Threadgold
Rambling Riddles & Rhymes

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Bonnie Collins 25 September 2008

This is so full of nostoglia, but also filled with much wisdom, as back in the day, what resources did you/we have, but learning from Dad, or grandpa, or each other. We didnt have Auto Zones, even back then Sears never carried auto supplies in all stores.... A very good write as it explains the truth, and what you are conveying, is you had struggles, back allies, Lard ect, but in essence the good old horse sence taught you a wisdom of lifetime..... bonnie

0 0 Reply
Bob Gibson 13 September 2008

You forgot to mention the oil leaks that left a black spot in the yard it permeated the concrete when mixed with the greasy white lard

0 0 Reply
Marilyn Lott 10 September 2008

People did the best they could to keep machines running. When you look back on history it's quite amazing. But folks didn't have a lot of money to hire a mechanic back then. Nowdays it's so high-tech no one can do the work themselves! Great poem, David, I enjoyed it. Warm Wishes, Marilyn

0 0 Reply
Ernestine Northover 21 June 2008

Yes indeed, my great Uncle had an Enfield his pride and joy. I have a wonderful picture of him in all his kit. Goggles, black leather coat and leather head gear that fitted close to his head and came donw over his ears with a chin strap, no crash helmets in those days, and his leather boots, all polished to a shine. Great looking back over history. Loved this one too. Love and hugs Ernestine XXX

0 0 Reply
READ THIS POEM IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Close
Error Success