Sunset Over Lupset (August 1968)

 

Lupset sunsets smelled of bonfires,

undercut with new mown grass,

wild mint by the kitchen window,

treasures in the strawberry patch.

 

Father sat with pint of shandy,

The mower cooling in the shade,

the rake stowed by the garden shed,

the kids with sparkling lemonade.

 

Summer sun dips on the estate

dragging shadows from the coal hole. 

Bird song muffled in humid air

that blankets sweat and soothes the soul.

 

Sounds of mother in the kitchen

putting salad onto our plates -

ham and cheese and egg and lettuce,

simple food that invigorates.

 

The summer heat is at its height,

the windows and doors open wide

to let the air move through the house

where sleeping bodies will be fried.

 

A memory of summers past

before the world stole all our dreams,

where simple things dealt us pleasure -

cold Council pop and Lumb’s ice creams.

 

Families sitting in back yards,

talking together, having fun,

perfect end to an August week

when debts were paid and work was done.