Nostalgia

This section was created by reason of a chance meeting, from a few of the works already created and languishing on my recently restored hard drive. A seperate article was also inspired, on the subject of Nostalgia, to be written soon and posted here.

Phil and Belinda.

A short verse for a lovely couple, to mark - would you believe it...
... an emergency dental visit.

Phil and Belinda caused me to remember,
I knew Phil a long time ago,
but I hadn't met Belinda,
in all her dark-haired splendour,
Phil's a lucky so and so,
Phil and Belinda left me feeling better,
my chatter let the feeling show.

© Copyright: 12 March, 2010 - Kenneth G Woolcock

 
Introducing this particular section has an extra special meaning for me, as you might presume from what follows. It carries a personal message to the couple who unwittingly provided the idea for the creation of this new category.

Philip grew up with my son, John, and it seems they are still good friends. Two good lads, and Phil was the sort of lad that any parent would be pleased to have their son associate with.

Recognition was immediate when Phil entered the dentist waiting room, not by me... with Philip, and that only due to the strong resemblance of John and myself. We would all love to think we haven't changed after 20yrs, but that's mainly vanity or wishful thinking with most people.

The advantage was with Philip, but as soon as he spoke I could see who he was. A lovely young woman entered the room before Phil and sat nearby, but I'd no idea who she was until Phil came. As it turned out, she happened to be Phil's wife, Belinda.

We all chatted about computer troubles until Phil was called for his visit, and then... fatal error... Belinda asked what work I did with my computer. What Belinda doesn't realise is, the chance meeting with Phil and herself reignited a spark which could rekindle a fire that almost died.

My Thanks to Philip for recognising me after half a lifetime, and making himself known.
"Sorry I wasn't alert to you, Phil".

Thanks also to his lovely wife, Belinda, whom I'd never met, for tolerating my excited chatter whilst waiting for my appointment.

It was great seeing Phil after so many years, and meeting Belinda. Poor girl was held captive, not by my scintillating repartee, I imagine, but rather that she had to sit and wait for Philip to fulfill his dental appointment. God Bless 'em for making my stressful day much brighter.

People often ask me where the ideas and inspiration come from. My answer is, "anything, anywhere, anytime, can trigger a spark". All it takes for me is a fallen leaf, a discarded cigarette pack, clouds, rough seas, a song, quotation, or a face from the past.

Growing up during the actual RnR era, and then, later, running my own DJ business for 10yrs might also have played a part.

Of course, a vivid imagination and tranquil mind also help. In this case it was a face from years ago, and the association of a lady's name with an old Rock 'n Roll song.

Belinda's name brought the memory of a Little Richard song, Slippin' And Slidin', famously covered by 2 late and great artists, Buddy Holly and John Lennon.

The lyrics vary, by artist, but, although the girl in the song is Malinda, it was close enough for me to write the verse above.

It should be said that Belinda's name is the only link to the song, as the full lyrics tell a different story. Phil and Belinda appear to me as a well-matched, happy couple, having married 22yrs ago, whereas the singer tells his Malinda "I won't be your fool no more".

What more can I say... other than comment to Phil that, if he has been a fool for Belinda during those 22yrs... "Keep being a fool for her, Phil. You've beaten me by a year already, and I wish you both many more "foolish" years together.

As for me... I look forward to being as happy (and foolish) with my new partner (when we eventually tie the knot) as I was in my previous marriage, and as happy as you and Belinda seem to be in yours."

Longer story poems to start this category are based on the writer's return to his place of birth after many years absence. There's a certain degree of self-effacing humour, and we hope you enjoy.....

Plaintiff Cry of a Cornish exile
'62 Revisited
There's Something In The Water
Reluctant Romeo
... more to follow.


© Copyright: 12 March, 2010 - Kenneth G Woolcock