Last week I went by train into Grafton
for a consultation at the hospital.
After the dialogue with a kind doctor,
it was time for a walk in the summer sunshine.
I stepped outside, noticing the blue facade,
then turned left towards The Domain,
down to where I used to play cricket matches,
down Lovers Lane, around the whited-sepulchre Museum-
gave it the go-by. I walked back up a path,
glancing now and then at the ASB Tennis Arena
where I have spent many happy days in January.
Back on Park Road, I strolled past the shops
to Grafton Bridge, which I crossed in the sunshine.
Back on the hospital side I noticed on the pavement
close to the bridge a plaque with carved words
by James K. Baxter: 'the delicate pure invisible light/
'I have not seen since I left Grafton.'
That gave me a lift for the trip home.
-December,2014.
Michael, Lovely poem. It is grand to be able to walk down memories Lane. I rate a 10, and have added it to my poem list.
Thanks Darwin. I too like to walk down Memory Lane once in a while.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Your visit into Grafton bridge has become memorable after you have beautifully expressed your perception in this excellent poem. Back on Park Road you have strolled the past hopes. Having hope for climbing the hill you have come alive with memory. Identifying the lines of cold and iron leaves you have beautifully witnessed the valley. An excellent poem is very well penned....10
That was a special walk in my life when I felt all the emotions, from joy to sorrow. You make an excellent appraisal too.