Last month's poem of the month writer, Bill Ewen, has chosen this month's poem. He says,"The charming and reflective tone of John Mather's poem "Many Years Ago" really captivated, then lingered in the passive depths of my musing mind, while depicting perfectly the precious delights of childish play. The structure of this poem rests quite comfortably on the page, and then leaves the reader feeling rather nostalgic, for their own memorable childhood moments. I personally think that it deserves to be a "Poem Of The Month", because we all fondly hide that child in our eyes...don't we!" Find out more about John and his work at http://www.writeoutloud.net/poets/johnmather MANY YEARS AGO I know so well this country lane The fields and woods on either side, Such treasured memories I retain. Within the woods we built our hide With turf and branches thatched with grass. We played at being many things, For ancient warriors we would pass With homemade bows or staffs or slings; But that was many years ago, Half a century and more. We played betimes at hide and seek, Played football, rugby too, We played so many games each week Our childhood days they flew, For relaxation we would fish By some tree shaded pool, For one big fish I’d dearly wish To land with rod and spool. But that was many years ago, Half a century and more. How different were our lives back then Throughout the forties, fifties too, For we who were still young at ten Were never short of things to do; In winter we would make a slide By skating in our iron-shod clogs Upon those frosted pavements glide On moonlit nights in woollen togs All this, was many years ago, Half a century and more.