Tower and Town, February 2016

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Retirement

I remember, I remember
Marlborough as a lad.
At the College no less
Where I confess
Things really weren’t that bad.

I remember Marlborough town -
This with great affection:
The C and B
And Polly’s for tea
And a tuck shop full of confection.

I remember those early 50’s,
I remember them only too well:
A cinema there…
A bevvy in The Bear…
And that infernal College bell.

I remember the bitter cold
Of the wind coming off the Plain.
From winter – no rest
(And no thermal vest!)
And don’t even mention the rain.
I remember, I remember,
I remember still:
When term was done
How I used to run
To the station up the hill.

I remember Marlborough Downs
And lovely Savernake.
I remember the whole
Which, bless my soul,
Is why I have come back…
… to Marlborough.

Robert Macmillan