© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswrites
Gleaming, wet pavements
Still the early stages
Temperatures drop
A change of form
No longer liquid
Happening so fast
No time to react…
Now, looking at the sky
Birds are singing
Stars are appearing
Oh, my head
.
.
© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswriter
Worn, torn, used, abused. Belongings that tell a story. Every scratch, every line, shows life. The character of a thing, etched into its surface.
Looking back, in years ahead, these signs of use can bring memories shooting back, sometimes in startling detail. And it is then that we can be glad, that we weren’t too precious and used the thing for its intended purpose.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Just imagine what’s inside. Looking at buildings like this is always fascinating. I’m not brave enough to be an urban explorer, but watching their discoveries can be fascinating. Not being used anymore, what a waste. What is inside?
But even more interesting is to think about what it was used for. How many lives have passed through this place? What stories could it tell? Tales of joy and pain. Moments of stress, as well as calm. There must be so many clues, hidden inside.
From outside it looks scary and cold. And, maybe, it is just the same inside. Or perhaps there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. There could be fascinating machinery from a bygone era. Furniture and decorations to show how people once worked and lived. Or, of course, it could just be empty, with the occasional remnant to give a clue to its past. Whatever the truth, the history remains the fascination.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Daily Prompt: Inheritance
We all have one
Sometimes thought out
Sometimes instinctive
Which is better?
To think or to act?
Why not both?
.
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© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswriter
Sunday was cold, really cold. When the wind blew, it blew straight through you. But it was the perfect day for a family walk to the Christmas Markets. It’s just not the same, if it’s not cold. So with the temperature hovering just above zero, off we went.
First, walking next to the river, the children playing and being cheeky. Not too cold yet, it was still light at this stage. But you could feel it coming. As we walked, the occasional gust would give us a shiver and make us glad of all the layers which we were wearing.
The closer we got to the town centre, the more the festive spirit grew. We started to see decorations, on lamp posts and bridges. And more people, not too crowded yet but others heading in the same direction as us. Our children were getting more excited. They had some money from their piggy banks to spend, their own choice, what would it be?
As we approached the markets themselves we could see the crowds, not too many people, but enough. Stalls containing all the usual goods. Hot wine, to warm my cockles, food both hot and cold. Seasonal decorations and gifts for all ages. Songs were being sung, children were dancing and the excitement of the season was upon us.
And then for the walk home. Via the old square and it’s Christmas tree, a beautiful sight standing next to the historical buildings contained there. Could the children make it? Both tired and cold now, but of course they could. Then, it was so nice to get home and begin to thaw out. And after dinner, some traditional Christmas biscuits and a cup of tea. Perfect.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
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