For the English on the list -- Childhood Memories Apple blossom, and new-mown hay, Memories of childhood days. Walks by the river and tea on the lawn, Picking mushrooms at early dawn. Bluebells and buttercups and daisy chains, Cycling through the country lanes. Mother waiting at the gate, Worrying if we were late. Those days are gone, But the memories stay, To help me through the lonely days. Logs burning in the open grate, Toast for tea and seedy cake, Winkles eaten with a pin, Happy days to have lived in. Carrying milk home from the farm, Watching the sheep being sheared in the barn. Hearing the cuckoo in early spring. Happiness is a simple thing. As I grow older, I think of those days. The memories will forever stay. Petticoat starched, high button boots. Spinning tops, bowling hoops, Holding my little sister's hand, Pushing the baby in the pram. My brother teasing and pulling my hair. I didn't always say, "Well, I don't care." Our Saturday penny was always well spent, It surprises me now how far it went. The laughter and happiness of bygone days, Memories of childhood that will ever stay. -- L. A. Tedder, Chobham, Surrey, 'Poets Corner,' "Best of British, Past & Present" magazine October 1998.