YESTERDAY’S DREAM
Looking in the mirror all those years ago,
Reflected back puppy fat, rosy cheeks aglow.
Straight style hair hanging lank framed my chubby face.
Lace-up shoes and uniform fashioned with no grace.
I had just turned thirteen, he was three years older.
How I wished that I was thin, and beautiful, ( and bolder…)
He was tall with jet black hair, eyes of crystal blue.
Good at sports; liked motorbikes; bright at studies too.
Friday night was Youth Club. Perhaps he’d walk me home…
Alas he never glanced my way, I made the trip alone.
And then the awful day arrived; I felt so sick inside.
I saw him strolling in the Park, a blonde girl at his side.
About that time we moved away because of Father’s job,
I never ceased to daydream about my school heart-throb.
The years passed by. A letter came from the school Head.
Planning a re-union. “Of course I’ll go,” I said.
That special night I dressed with style, hoping he’d be there.
Dress ( size ten!) - stiletto shoes – highlights in my hair.
Meeting up with everyone, remembering the past.
Showing family photographs. ‘Don’t they grow up fast’…
Then I glanced across the room. No, it couldn’t be…
No, it wasn’t – yes, it was – and he was ogling me!
I met his gaze, my heart raced fast. I gulped my cocktail drink.
I mustn’t stare – I’m blushing now – oh, what will people think?
A toothless grin, unshaven chin; I must be pretty dim
To think that in the sixties, I actually fancied HIM!
Rosemary Atherton
The poem 'Yesterday's Dream' had it's first public reading at the 2002 Reunion held in the 'Florence Court' function room at the Beaufort Hotel, Chepstow on the 9th November 2002. Such was the appreciation that Rosemary Atherton {nee Thomas}was immediately appointed the 'Larkfield Year of '58 Poet Laureate' a position she still holds to this day. Please read Rosemarys other poems which may be found throughout this website.