The Kursaal, Southend Poem by Angela Wybrow

I can remember a time,
When I gazed from my window,
And saw the bright lights,
From the Kursaal, all aglow.

It's distinctive dome
still catches my eye,
But its soul got lost,
As time passed by.

In the 50s and 60s,
It was THE place to go,
And through its doors,
Thousands have flowed.

There was music and magic,
And a fabulous funfair;
Memories were made,
And special times shared.

To the dance band nights,
Hundreds would flock:
The guys looking dapper,
And the girls in gorgeous frocks.

There were fish and chips -
Salty and steaming;
There were smiles on faces,
Excited and beaming.

There was ice cream,
and donuts - sugary and hot,
And plenty of arcade games,
Where you could hit the jackpot.

It was a palace full of fun,
Echoing with shreiks of delight.
Such wonderful times were had,
On those warm, summer nights.

And, now, a new chapter is due to unfold:
The next chapter in its illustrious story:
Here's hoping, after years of neglect,
It will spring back to its former glory.

It may take some time,
But one thing I know,
Is that the lights, which I saw,
Will, once again, be all aglow.