Views Versus Memories Poem by John A'Hern

Walk streets and roads of childhood dreams
Adult views not what they seem,
Distance shorter, houses smaller
Schools just seem the same, but taller.
Camera in hand, point and click,
Lace curtains flutter, unseen, so quick,
Doors open and close noiselessly
Not one challenge from the unseen.

Reach the beach, a place of dreams
The tide is out so far, cannot see.
Dwellings now stand where none stood before
A tower stands majestically on the seashore.
Landmarks are gone, history lost
On and on pursuing what?

Trams once ruled this seaside view
Double decker buses also in queues.
Walk and walk the promenade
Reach a village where love was found.
Walk narrow streets of memories,
People acknowledge your very presence
Makes a change from peering through lace curtains.

Back to Town now a City
Changed so much such a pity.
One more challenge before departing
Family home memories calling.
Standing still while memories swirl
Talk to yourself not making sense
No one around, no questions hence.

Turn and look at what was once greenery
Hill of adventures smiles down serenely.
Enough for today, visit the local pub?
Some still standing others are shut.
Memories live on in dreams.