THE LOCAL GALA DAY
Once when life was simple, at the start of every summer
We would all gather in the village square, with pipe band and big drummer
Classes all assembled to march behind the band
With all the children's teachers, there to lend a hand
Every girl discussed for weeks the dresses they would wear
All the boys wore plimsolls white and had slicked down shiny hair
There was no talk of holidays or trips to sunny Spain
All we wished for was the sun and that there'd be no rain
For it only came but once a year and for it all would toil
Never was there trouble, for their children's day would spoil
This where you met old friends you hadn't seen for years
Mum would chat with women, for Dad the excuse for beers
After a King and Queen were crowned, children with faces glowing
All lined up for a bag of buns and sixpence well worth owning
Mum and friends would sit around, while the silver band kept playing
Foot tapping tunes for singalongs, by now the beer tent swaying
Then someone on a megaphone, would announce that there'd be races
Boys and girls would then line up, all hoping for some places
Not that we had great sportsmen, but all were very willing
If placed first within the race, you could win yourself a shilling
here was a sixpence for a second and a three penny bit for third
In these' races was much cheating, but no one said a word
For this was the children's day and none could do no wrong
After all its once a year and to a child a year is long
Yes the day was joyous, folks start to drift away
Mum goes home to make the tea, while on the children play
Teatime would quickly pass and children with fresh brushed hair
Would be off again to have some fun at the local village fair
This day that never seemed to end and all it held in store
'"Oh Yes" I remember the Gala Days that seem to be no more
Mae Allan 2003