Street Of Memories Poem by John A'Hern

Walking the street of memories of childhood
a familiar street, children at play
I glance and continue my walk
a child's voice, will you umpire for us mister?

I stop unsure as to what to say
brushing away the thoughts of an adult in children's games
children treated me as if they had known me before this day
then the sirens call, a Mothers call for time to come home

The children disappeared as if an apparition
I stood and looked around, no sign of any children
a tap on my shoulder had me spinning around
a face I thought was familiar

Would you like to join us for a teatime meal?
I went as asked as if in a dream
stepped inside a home I once knew
the shouts of welcome deafening to my ears

A family sitting down to their evening meal
smiles all around faces to astound
I tried to recall names I once knew
welcome to you, where have you been?

Lost for words as I studied the scene
then a jolt as my name was called
I studied the face from where it came
a hug and a kiss from the name caller

My memory bank drifted into overload
a girl I knew from many years ago
so many stories back and fro
left the home so full of home cooked food
continued my memory walk down the street of many memories