New Forest: Old Times

 I think others 'of a certain age' might find this piece of memorabilia charming. This would have been one of the last photographs of my father.

NEW FOREST: OLD TIMES.

A photograph that's blurred and old, from many years a ago.

My cousin sent it recently and it's new to me, although

I knew about the circumstance that caused this little shot,

And it brought to mind a time long gone that I nearly forgot.

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I think the early 'sixties'..... yes, that could be the date;

I have to cast my mind back and try to contemplate.

In letters sent to Africa I heard of such a jaunt;

My parents and relations in a favourite forest haunt.

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They all loved the New Forest; a lovely spot, it's true,

And they all enjoyed playing Scrabble, so they combined the two.

They used to set-up wind-breaks and light a picnic fire

And sit, playing Scrabble or reading, as the smoke grew ever higher.

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Surrounded by gigantic trees and sheltered from the breeze,

They drank their very British tea and sat back at their ease.

Such a nostalgic photograph! Such happy times to share.

Thanks for sending it, Richard. I wish that I'd been there!

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