Last Train
Nostalgia
The caravan was dusty and Mum
scoured all the plates before we ate.
I longed to sprawl in nearby dunes, sheltered
from the wind, then paddle in the surf.
Merging with drizzle we braved
the fairground, hunched in raincoats.
Our King Charlie dog kept dry, goggle eyes
peering out of Mum’s large shopping bag.
A treat was eating at the Lobster Pot Cafe,
with fishing net decor. Our window seats
overlooked boats undulating in the harbour;
plates piled with vinegar doused plaice and chips
Slumped in lumpy beds, gas lights flickering
we listened to the hired radio, cheering
when Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group sang –
Last train to San Fernando, last train to San Fernando
Clowning, Dad joined in with falsetto voice –
If you miss this one, you’ll never get another one
Bee-dee-bee-dee-boom-boom to San Fernando.
We laughed, gasping into our pillows.
Today those familiar strains blast out
from You-tube. Forty years later they divorced.
Now both have travelled on in separate seats,
aboard their last train.
awwwww lovely!!! you captured the time perfectly. This was heart-warming to read and brought back a memory or two for me also.
So sad they divorced after all that time. My parents stayed together but mum is in no hurry to see dad on the other side. lol She had enough of him in this life. 🙁
Music can bring us right back to a time in an instant can’t it? Same as scents.
Enjoyed reading this very much.
Alison x
Thanks Alison! Yes,
I find music can take you back years to a certain time. Had to laugh at your Mum. She’s making the most of her time without your Dad. LOL!
Eira
Reading this brought back memories for me. It’s a pity my mother never divorced my father though. Enjoyed your poem immensely.
Glad this brought back some memories for you, Pronto.
Eira
A really enjoyable well written poem…Leila
Thanks Leila – glad you enjoyed.
Eira
Could be the Lobster Pot in Anglesey, Bernary, Bognor Regis, Portland, Mudeford, Swanage – it matters not as it captures that childhood time well! Mitch
Yes, I’m sure there are Lobster Pots in many places. Perhaps ‘ll do a tour round them one year.
Eira
This is the second poem of yours I’ve read that contains the verb “to undulate”. I still don’t understand what it means. You must have a special affection for that word…
Still a lovely poem though, capturing the feeling of a seaside town in a bygone time.
Hah! It really is a coincidence that I’ve used undulate twice. I’ve probably never used it again. I have been told that people sometimes need a dictionary on their lap to read my poems. LOL!