Again in childhood's fancy free
My mind casts back to summer nights
And strolls along sweet Cherry Lane
And lovers tasting sweet delights

Of endless sunny summer days
Spent at the beach in sun and wave
One moment bathed in warm sea air
The next in salty frigid wave

Of strawberry plump all ripe for picking
And cherries too, forbidden fruit
Mo Porter's glee when she would catch
Us with the all-conclusive loot

Of bonfires on the open beach
And capelin roasting, what delight
And veggies from some farmer's field
And songs and stories ‘til midnight

Of those long walks to Blueberry Hill
That magic place known to but few
Where berries large and tasty grew
On hills of never ending blue

Of days spent roaming talcum mines
And climbing tailings to best view
The vistas of Conception Bay
That young and old so fondly knew

Of pebbled beaches smoothed by years
Of rolling waves and breakers wear
Nostalgia fueled by memories deep
Of fresh sea scented bracing air

Of nightly trysts by wood pile tall
Of boys and girls, romance-filled air
Of laughter, talk and fond caress
A magic time for all to share

Of terrifying walks at night
Back to the safety of our home
Along the winding, pitch black track
Of haunted Cherry Lane alone

Of mud that oozed between the toes
And piercing sting from sticklebacks
And feel of grass on sole of feet
Whilst romping free on Manuel’s Flats

Of slippery eels that slither past
One’s most inviting naked back
Whilst skinny dipping with your chums
In Cavey's Canyon’s waters black

Oh Manuels of my childhood days
Forever etched in memory
Your scenes so easily evoked
To balm those times of agony
  Submitted By: John Cornick