The Old Coal Fire Poem by John Carter Brown

My brother and my sisters two
We used to spend some time,
Instead of going out to play,
Beside the fire reclined.

It burned so bright and seemed to me
An endless source of heat,
Of winter warmth and cosiness
That blazed beside our feet.

Hypnotized by dancing flames
In colours red and gold;
I used to love those childhood days
When I was not so old;

When I was innocent and green
And never seemed to tire,
When nothing mattered much to me
Sat by the old coal fire.

And when I sit and think of things
And fondly recollect
My safe and happy home,
My heart is filled with deep respect.

It overflows with gratitude
Towards my Mum and Dad,
For all the time they gave to me,
For all the love they had;

And if I had my time again
I know I would retire
To 30 St Paul's avenue
To sit beside the fire.

Written June 1994