by Debra Dando

Created on: July 15, 2008

Childhood Lost'

No leafy avenues to school,
just buses now, all jam-packed full.
Secret plans to me untold,
family home & toys all sold.
Lured by city life and wealth
not focusing on home or health.
Parents just pack up and sell
dragged from suburbia into hell.

Everyone in such a rush,
pale tired faces, concrete, dust.
Can't explore the neighbourhood
not the place for childhood!

Now forced into an adult world
men in raincoats, 'Go-Go' girls.
School uniform that once impressed
now leered at, as if costume dress.

No more cosy family nights,
just smoke-filled bars and drunken fights.
Neglected upstairs in a cage
crisps and pop sent to engage.
Old school friends? They suddenly died -
in my bed, at night, I cried.
Growing up and changing image
getting into darts and cribbage.

By day I grew to love the city
childhood lost, that was the pity!
Grand old buildings, culture, history;
but darkness filled with such insanity
vandalism, theft, obscenity, vulgarity.
Jukebox blaring through the night,
neons flashing bold and bright.
Atmosphere building - filled with fright!

Father drowns in scotch & water,
making serving wench of daughter.
Mother busy playing host,
no time to spare only to boast.
Adulthood, marriage, greener future-
ah - countryside, calmness, family nurture!
Alas though, history did repeat
-when father was compelled to sleep.

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