on the beer garden decking, under the trees,
you would be talking of funny things that happened
in your student days,
or the woes of working life
and I would find myself looking down at a garden
far below the upper decking,
wondering who lived at the house there
and if they were anything like us...
Was it every third or fourth weekend we might
jump on the bus to Tunbridge Wells,
to wander around the Pantiles;
to go treasure hunting
in bespoke jewellery and antique shops,
to dine at The Tunbridge Wells Hotel
on open steak sandwiches, drink
fine Malbec, watch people pass by
outside, and dream, and speak of future plans…
DId we really sometimes stay at that hotel in Bath
and visit that spa; did I dream that I swam
in the rooftop pool overlooking the city?
Did our hotel really have two swimming pools
and a sea of lavender surrounding the terrace?
I look at a photo I took through the window
of our room, at the full moon
through a black tracery of tree brances
it seems worlds away now
Watching a show on TV last night
I could only wonder
did people really
pile into those huge stadiums
swaying, waving, singing along
with the good old boys of rock n roll;
or purveyors of soul, or singers of blues
where everyone was carried away
on magic carpets of music
with the base jumping, fists pounding
and hearts all bursting with joy?
Was it really only a couple of years ago
that friends and relations could still be reunited
with embraces and kisses?
Is the past forever foregone
or is there a place somewhere
which might let us return,
as easily as opening a door?
Just send me the key.
I swear I will stay faithfully indoors
until it arrives.
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Since I had sequestered myself away primarily because of the difficulty in going out and socializing with others, I have found the time under isolation to be practically the same as my prior lifestyle. But I believe I am a rare case of that.
Ron
I've looked at packed stadiums and now wonder what's being spread?
Maybe this is as it will be.
Though the human race has been through many similar times, bar globally heating up and plastic seas.
This past year has been a real eye opener
for everyone world wide...all the things
you mention...so simple, but when they
are removed...what a monumental impact
they have upon us...
Like me I think you are from the UK....
Things are starting to improve here
thankfully, so some new sense of
normality should return....It has made
us all reflect deeply on just what is
important in our lives...but at such a
high cost.....
Best wishes,
Diana...