Beneath the arch I walk,
quickening my pace.
To that old marketplace,
as I did so many times before,
though that archway wasn't there,
a future ghost,
now stands proudly in space.
Memories start to race.
The sweet zingy taste of fruit
teasing lips in that cold air.
The scent of doughnuts wafted over
echoes of voices raised,
check out their wares. They exclaimed.
Produce as far as the eye could see,
for a little boy, colours blended
into a sea of vibrant variety,
Fruit of life, from every national cuisine.
Taking in the scene here in this daydream.
I wish you were here.
I remember the smell
overpowering young nose.
Where the old fish market stood,
slops down the drains,
stains the mind,
that smell, I can still taste it
in my daydream. The indoor market,
magic walkways to higher floors.
I was sure there was always
some hidden toy store,
with everything I could ever wish for.
Now I only wish you were here
Lewis's tower loomed over
Humberstone Gate,
and the Christmas lights await.
In my mind’s eye
It is always Christmas time there
and snow was always lingering in the air.
To the old cafe, down the darkened alleyway.
You would sit and watch the world
cigarette-stained fingertips, flicking Ash
into foil ashtray.
The smell of coffee climbed
into my head mixing
with the smoky haze
and there it stayed.
So young. I couldn't sit
and appreciate,
but now how much I'd love
to just take a seat with you there.
If I was lucky
to dominoes we would go.
Money was low, but I would walk in,
eyes aglow,
at the toys and games on display.
Proclaiming proudly in childish glee
that I'd run a toy shop one day.
So, I could play with any toy I wished,
and in a way I did,
I learnt that words are like toys,
that when you twist their gears
and let them go,
they spring into motion,
they come alive.
I just wish I could turn the gear
on your life
and have a few more years
by your side.
Thanks for reading
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