As a boy I used to play here
inside the burnt out walls
playing hide n seek and other games
within its hallowed halls
Once we ventured to the basement
down dark and dusty stair
oblivious to danger
with innocence to dare
But now all these years later
it is a block of flats
although the outside walls remain
preserved and still intact
Betwixt Church Street and Middle
in the ancient of the town
is 'Church Cottage Twitten'
where I'll often wander down
It's a short cut to the High Street
and it's quiet and very quaint
besides I like the older things
'Cos young though now I ain't
In Shoreham town al fresco
dining now seems to be the norm
which is lovely in the summer
when days are mostly warm
but when they're overcast
or quite windy like today
it's not without a smirk
to see the faces there portray
something of discomfort
as they put on a brave face
yet shiver as they eat their meals
this climate to embrace
Picked up a Wolfgang
he came for the day
went back to Shoreham
for gardens and play
whilst his Mum was at work
and so he's not alone
as he likes to be with us
in this home from home
From Ferry Road and shingle beach
this curving Sussex bay
is quite spectacular to see
from Shoreham I must say
And chagrined to admission I
shamefaced apologise
as with this upon my doorstep
I should always recognise
that here is unbridled privilege
to simply cast an eye
and take in this glorious vista
when just simply walking by
We went for an ice cream
and sat on the beach
it was rather windy
but within easy reach
in the relative shelter
of Old Shoreham town
nestled beneath
the crook of the Down
I haven’t been down to the beach
in quite a long while now
mainly due to lockdown
and a feeling that somehow
if it doesn’t feel quite right
to walk down into town
because of all the idiots
who spread this virus round
then as to get down to the beach
a walk through town is needed
I think my own advice is here
advice that is well heeded
Atmospheric I think you might say
of the beach at Shoreham this evening
with the white of the surf from the waves on the shore
and the taste of salt they were leaving
The wind caught our breath and took it away
as we leant to sou’westerly facing
and a laugh shouted loud at the thrill of it all
was lost in the ambiance bracing
Looking through to Shoreham
‘cross the river from the beach
reminds me of the fortune
I have here in easy reach
Equidistant from the downs
to the beauty of the sea
this little town where here I live
is everything to me
As a seagull I flew inland from the sea
Up in a yellow-tinged sky
Looking down with the freedom I commanded in flight
as I swooped and I soared up on high
I watched as the river meandered below
Through the town I am proud to call home
with its cluster of houses gathered close to the sea
over routes I have so often flown
In this river’s silted tributaries
Navigation now
Reserved for smallish river craft
Low of beam and bow
And yet, two hundred years ago
Galleons here were made
Crafted beams at Bramber
Where many keels were laid
Such changing times of commerce
The Adur’s here provided
For this fishing port of Shoreham
Which by the sea has long resided
I have a beach of shingle mixed
With golden sea-washed sand
Its grandeur and its mystery
Forged by God’s own hand
I have a river winding through
The valley from the sea
Its tidal water carrying
Swans and seabirds oft to me
Long shadows with October
the days dawn cold and bright
and the sunshine in the eastern sky
provides a gorgeous sight
Glinting on the water
and magnificently gold
Rising over Shoreham beach
to the river in the cold
To end a perfect day
we walked along the beach
our small dog running free and proud
the sea in easy reach
The shadow of the sun
spread gold across the sky
A fitting end to perfect day
as together we strolled by
The cherry blossom’s in full bloom
on the allotment in the sun
as I sit here and write a while
now the strimming is all done
The grass grows quick this time of year
so I’m down here quite a bit
with spare batteries in my bag
in case the good ones quit
Walking on the riverbank
with a jumping Patterdale
On a sunday afternoon
with a waggy tail
He’s happy to be there
as are we this lovely day
The old Tollbridge behind us
for a wander and a play
