Johnnies (h)ump was our special little part of the Pennine Hills in Lancashire (UK) (note the dropped 'h' )where we could play safely as little children of the 50's




I held the buttercup to your face
It caused your chin to glow
I made a daisy chain for you
Around your wrist to go

I blew for you a dandelion
One o'clock, two and so
And I helped you search for conkers
Under the chestnut low

Together we took pebbles
And dammed the rippling brook
We watched the water rise up high
As we stood back, proud and looked

We climbed the hill together
Lords of all that we surveyed
We fished for tiddlers in the pond
Saw the spawn that froggies made

We sheltered in the bushes
When the storm clouds poured down rain
And when the sun shone brightly
We'd go 'outdoors' again

Then it was time to be off home
School holidays were such fun
We'd get some chips in greaseproof
Or a buttered currant bun

I remember sleep was always sweet
After days of fun with you
Up eagerly next morning
Whilst the grass was clothed with dew

I remember too the necklace beads
Which made the 'diamond' ring
No priest was there to marry us
Nor choirboys there to sing

Memories aren't made to lock away
And put somewhere in store
They're given to us to remember
Again and then some more


They bring us peace and happiness
Teach us joy in simple things
Little tales to tell our children
Tunes to whistle, songs to sing

12/20/2001

Posted on 12/20/2001
Copyright © 2024 Anne Howe