Before it All Began to Go Wrong

Before it All Began to Go Wrong

If I could go back in time,

or even dare ..

I would go back to those

pre Helen days ..

Those filled with laughter,

three square meals

and all made by my mother ..

To tie dye tee shirt days,

with patched jeans,

patchouli oil

and of course, long hair ..

To when my father

could make, or do anything ..

To those days

when me and my brother

were both strong

and our little sister had curls ..

When Kitch was a pup

and the Abbey

called to us both most days,

after school ..

And we used to carry bows

in the woods

for no reason at all,

but we did, because it made

us feel big ..

Just like choking on roll ups

and pinching mams

packs of ten cork tipped f**s ..

And I wonder,

if we could go back in time,

whether you might

choose to come back with me ..

 

 

 

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Wow this takes me back....
I am still the long hair and the ideals of then.
Those will never leave me, or perhaps it is that I will never leave them.

I really like the ending...I would imagine the subject of the poem would definitely come back with the speaker....Yes, I do think so.

[Neville]

thanks for the thumbs up jacob, much appreciated. N

[Vol]

Neville,
There was a time when everything was as you described, a time when we lived in the real world and any place else, was never more than a passing interest... now the paradigm has lipped, and, at least in America,
Strawberry Fields where nothing is real is where we have lost ourselves. But like Tolkien says, we are born to the times we live in...
Vol

[Neville]

I'll take that as a yes then .. perhaps .. but I shall thank you most assuredly .. thank you Vol ..

Neville

[Vol]

You Bet! .....

[John the Baptist]

I don't know, N. Sometimes I too wax nostalgic, but more often now I am willing to let the dead bury the dead.

[Neville]

while those resurrected, shall one day inherit the earth .. perhaps .. I shall keep on digging regardless .. I have a thing about depth, amongst many other things .. Cheers Sir B. N.

[D. Mansfield]

Great poem and yes I would!

[Neville]

You are far too kind and welcome back any time .. Thank you & truly .. Neville

[Ken e Bujold]

remarkable poem neville. absolutely smashing cadence draws reader into the poem. Nostalgia without being treacly is a very difficult operation. You sir have shown yourself to be a master surgeon.

[Neville]

my goodness, I am so much more than adequately indulged .. I am indeed brimming .. Neville

[emmajoygreen]

One of your best posts ever, gentle, memorable and more. There's something precious and special surrounding a person when he or she feels totally hugged by memories of mother and father, memories of a past that more than likely made you .. ..

[Neville]

my word, what a delightfully, heart-warming, elsewise encouraging, yet equally unexpected visit and accompanying review emmajoygreen .. thanking you most kindly .. I tried to respond to the last one but appeared to be locked out or blocked .. all goodest of things,

Neville

[emmajoygreen]

I meant what I wrote, your words are kind and gentle as they always should be. Parents are special when with us, but perhaps, precious when not.

[Poetic Beauty]

I’m guessing Helen was a bit difficult or heartbreaking; either way being at home with mom and dad when I kid is something special. I love the details of tie dye and long hair.

[Neville]

many thanks for stopping by and considering my little scribble PB .. Yes, long ago, H was heartbreakingly difficult .. and played a big role in my life for a very short while .. I only heard quite recently that she had passed .. the rest is now history .. thanks again, Neville

[Poetic Beauty]

Hearing the passing of an ex always has an array of emotions even if the relationship ended long ago

[Ana Papaya]

I'd go back in a heartbeat, to before it all went wrong.
This burst of nostalgia has me longing for once upon a time, long long ago.
Love this.

[Neville]

I would be more than happy to have you tag along any day of the week ..
and with kindest regards, I thank you Ana .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Safe in the arms of mum and dad. I know that special feeling that will never be replaced by anything else. Then along came Helen. Well, I’ll come back with ya providing it was pre Helen because I had an unhappy spell after leaving home and fending for myself in the big wide world. You have such delightful memories of being out of doors and with your siblings. Simple, carefree times. Look what kids have got today. Half of them seem to have mental health problems and spend too much time on their phones. Thank God I was born when I was. A gift. Bet your mum gave you a clout round the ear when she found out you nicked her ciggies:) This poem is so nostalgic it makes me both smile and shed a tear for good things lost. Lovely work Neville. Happy Tuesday.

Chris

[Neville]

Thanks Chris, me too and back at you from down here .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Today I’d rather be up there. It’s my Dad’s birthday. He would have been 94. I imagine them all having a London knees-up. I’ll light a candle this evening.

[Neville]

good idea, makes perfect sense to me .. I'll light one too.

[hiren1234]

i was so upset, not my brain working to do anything, many happy memories and happy birthday to your dad, Chris!

[hiren1234]

i had to leave this current city, but somehow managed to get two more months wfh here, but need to leave to south home, not willing to go from here, something was blocking my mind here not to do anything just fasting making me weak also, and tomorrow last day will be normal day without fast as it is last day i celebrate with full pooja.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for lighting a candle. So thoughtful :)