Saturday, September 29, 2007
28th September The Gift. Dad's birthday 1993.
In 1993 I wrote a poem as a gift to my Dad on his birthday which recalls a precious gift that he gave to me.
When I was a very little girl he took me for a walk from his Aunty Nelly's house on to The South Downs.
THE GIFT - by Paula, 27th September 1993.
A momentous day
For a little girl,
Proudly holding her Daddy's hand.
He's caring and sharing -
Sharing the bond he has,
Sharing his ties to that beautiful land.
First footsteps on paths
Of the chalky South Downs;
A world to be loved,
So much to be treasured;
An aura of peace -
Away from the towns.
She listens; considers
His every word.
They relish together
The "short springy turf".
She bounces in wonder -
Laughs with each footfall.
The grass grows green from Sussex earth
A day of reverence
For a little girl;
A day to cherish,
As senses experience -
The chalk and the flint,
Flowers, purple and blue,
The sturdy sheep,
Butterflies too.
"Hush! Listen, a lark!"
He guides senses so young -
And kindles a spark.
Breathe now
The scented fresh air -
A mingling of chalk with the flowers.
Look round you,
The valley down there,
See the village,
Flint houses of Firle -
Gazing together for hours.
For both the day lingers -
A magical gift of a day.
A great gift to treasure,
Both remember with pleasure,
Enriching their lives,
Come what may.
