Markers in time,

Markers in time,

The key events

We hold on to,

Build lives around,

Are the flag bearers

Of our days.

Seen through the haze

Of yesterday,

They are the standard

Against which

We measure our lives.

They add the colour

To the monochrome

Of history,

And bring it

Into focus with such force

It brings a tear to the eye,

A lump to the throat.

Even the ghost

Of a thought,

The hint of a smell

Can propel you back

To the brink of childhood.

Fish and chip memories,

Sunday school and football.

Beach huts and deck chairs.

Sand castles and

Mister punch.

A colliery village

On a day trip to the coast,

Playing beach cricket

And sharing their lunch.

Oh what a time,

Sun burned children

Daubed with calamine.

Screaming with tiredness

Crying with happiness

All the way home

As our parents sang

The old songs.

Remember the first time

You went to a game.

The roar when they win,

The tears when they lose

Or score the first goal.

These are the days

You hold in your soul.

And shape all you are,

Vinegar, brown paper,

Fish in a jar.

Landmark reminders

Conjunctions of stars

That carry the story

Of the man that you are.