On a late summer's day in
An open air place of meeting
After more than fifty years
They are exchanging greetings
Just two old men sat talking of
Times when both were young,
The farm labourers lad
And the small holder's son,
Joined by the village school
In their younger days
Until at the age of eleven
A part parting of their ways.
One to the grammar
The other staying on
That part of shared life
Well and truly gone.
Still linked by their village
A safe and secure home
Until at the age of eighteen
One went off to roam.
Now, fifty years later
At life's other end
Each greets the other
As old childhood friend,
Laughs at shared memories
Talks of friends passed on
Until with the passing hours
It's time for both to be gone.
Hands shaken, promises made
That if both are still here
They'll meet and talk again
Early in the coming year.
They part at the car park
Two old men now full of joy
At those times remembered
When each had been a boy.
The small holders son and
The farm labourers lad
Happily agreeing that life
Hadn't, after all, been so bad.
