Scarborough...fair...
(True events)
Way back in '71,
whilst on adventure training.
We trained when there was sun,
or when it was still raining.
We'd navigate for hours,
across the moors and marsh.
Just like wild flowers,
surviving weather harsh.
*
I liked our Scarborough base,
just two miles from the sea.
A very pretty place,
seaside resort you see.
One day while all alone,
I set off yes, just walking.
For some time on my own,
no company...no talking...
Along the path I went,
to North Cliff with a view.
Twenty minutes there I spent,
I knew then what to do...
A headland I could see,
the Castle Cliff stood proud.
Due south it was to me,
surrounded by gulls loud.
Further on I knew to be,
South Cliff as was then named.
The sun shone down on me,
'I'll walk there!' I exclaimed.
The wide North Sea was spread,
as north, east, south I looked.
O'er it one day I'd head,
right now, my time was booked.
Quite slowly I descended,
the North Cliff's rocky face.
Birds' nests all well-defended,
in every slippery place.
Once safely on the sand,
I strolled along the beach.
Promenade was right at hand,
sea to my left...in reach...
I stopped to buy a drink,
and a chocolate bar.
I let some liquid sink,
before I'd gone too far.
Now on my right, changed scene,
amusement arcade noise.
Every adult, toddler, teen,
lots of happy girls and boys...
One-armed-bandits stealing,
everybody's cash.
'Shoot-em-ups' appealing,
and to them folks would dash...
Restaurants, cafes, bars,
candy stores galore.
Long line of tight parked cars,
all facing t'wards the shore.
'Fish and chips'...a smell,
associated here.
And I shouldn't have to tell,
you there's lots of beer...
At Castle Cliff a fayre,
big rides and candyfloss.
No one seemed to care,
as hard-earned cash they'd toss...
A quiet stretch I reach,
and stop a while to think.
Just sitting on the beach,
with my bottled drink.
At eighteen and a half...
and analysing life.
I thought...I need a laugh,
no worries, stress or strife.
Once more along the sand,
I set off in the sun.
South Cliff now close at hand,
to climb it would be fun...
A pathway helps me start,
on the steep ascent.
I can't be feint of heart,
I'll reach the top...hell-bent.
Much harder than it seemed,
but I still reached the crest.
On me the sun's rays beamed,
I stopped to take a rest.
My goal I have achieved,
from one cliff top to other.
I'm feeling quite relieved,
no drink...I need another...
*
Near on forty years ago,
that long walk cleared my mind.
It worked back then I know,
and helped me to unwind.
Written for;
Word Painting
Host: atin / Nita
By Tomfoollery
© 2010 Tomfoollery
(All rights reserved)
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