SAFETY
When I was just a youngster.
Things were so much safer then.
There was very little traffic.
Even fewer dirty old men.
Our estate was never empty,
There was always folk about.
And we were never far
From an adult's warning shout.
We would roam and we would wander.
Wherever we felt the need.
But if we became a nuisance.
Somebody would spot the deed.
We were always kept an eye on
Before any CeeCeeTeeVee.
News of any transgression
Got round with alacrity.
Through alleys streets and ginnels
We'd roam that suburban maze.
But it was near impossible
To escape from the communal gaze.
Our mischief was always minor
We had no freedom to go bad.
But no one else had either
So we were safe . . And glad.
Author notes
In a discussion at the weekend I used the word ginnel and a friend said he had never heard that word in a poem. " days later I wrote and recited this poem whilst visiting his folk club.
It's new so it may be a bit raw. Be gentle
Written June 8th, 2005
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Hi there,
A ginnel is a West Riding (of Yorkshire) dialect word meaning a small path between two houses in a terrace and usually covered over by the upper floors. If it was between two seperate houses we would call it a snicket. Different areas have slightly different meanings but I was brought up using this in Bradford, Yorkshire.
Although never a strong dialect speaker I am experiencing a growing interest in this mode of speech, fast disappearing in the world of mass communications and standard English.
At the risk of self puplicising I think you world like When I Was Just a Lad if you are the same vintage as me. allpoetry.com/Poem/1326190
Jim -
Excellant /intriguing
A wonderful write, as a Sr, as we say in the States, I found myself reflecting back while reading this. Oh, yes, simpler times, safer times. What does "ginnel" mean? I can then add the word to my vocabulary and astound my English friends here in Seattle. -
Hi there 'dreamer.
I see you've been peeking at some of my old stuff. I hope you liked it.
Thanks for the comments and generous applause. Both are welcome.
Come back and have a firkle around the other bits sometime.
Jim
PS firkle means to search or look around Another word from my youth <
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another wonderful poem....nostalgic poems like this makes me want to go back to the good old days like thoes that i never got to see....many of my friends call me old, because i speak and write like i have been there and back....but what can i say, i'm just a nostalgic dreamer--hence my name....:]....but really, beautiful work....:]
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Quite right. When I was a very small child, a little while ago now, I used to go on my own across Perth city (Western Australia) to the Museum or play in the parks and gardens by myself. Never the slightest problems or danger.
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A nice write Jim, and a lot of truth in your words. I often yearn for the simpler times as I'm sure many do. Nice job. Take care and Have fun. Steve
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Just realised why you're online - it must be half term!
R. -
A lovely poem Jim, and it reminded me of my childhood in York.
My friends and I would wander for miles across what was then York aerodrome. We'd go on bike rides for miles out into the country - we'd even cycle to Scarborough when older.
There's a tour called the Ginnels and Snickelways of York - it' excellent.
Robin.
PS Well done. -
Ahhh The "when I was young " thing. I'm an old guy I've been using that line for years, lmao. But you did a good job putting it down on paper. The good ol safe days (sigh)
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