As he walked through the old park gate
the sky was cold and grey,
his boots they crunched on the gravel,
he knew each step of the way.
A lifetime of happy memories
were here within the park,
whether it be a warm sunny day
or by gas light, after dark.
He always sat on the same wooden bench
beneath the willow so tall,
to listen to music, the band playing on
children dancing, as though at a ball.
It was here he met the love of his life
the girl that he would marry,
on bended knee with ring, he proposed
in haste, no time to tarry.
Courtship was short, time not on their side
as war raged on in the trenches,
today he sat with a tear in his eye
as he gazed at forlorn empty benches.
Their marriage survived the years, two world wars,
children, a joy to behold,
many a day spent here in this park,
but today he was lonely and cold.
The bandstand no longer a musical feast
kids use as a place, just to meet,
but his ears hear the strains of the old brass band
and the rhythm goes straight to his feet.
He buried his Martha but two weeks ago,
life just seems at an end,
heart though heavy with memories intact
he remembered his lifelong friend.
In a rain sodden coat he stood and he bowed,
his arms around her waist,
in time to the tempo he heard from the band
he twirled round and round in such haste.
The music grew louder, his heartbeat it raced
as he swept his Martha along,
until in a frenzy he fell on the ground
he knew he wasn’t so strong.
He has her hand and they're together
don't be sad you found him gone,
for once again he's with his Martha
together they danced, as the band played on.
Gold trophy winner
Honorable mention
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