Memories of Carnoustie

Every greeting was the same
'083159' 'Hello Grandad'
My friend who lived so many miles away,
Carnoustie, my childhood in seashells and sand.

You would walk me to the sea,
let me get wet as the surf came in
scramble on the rocks, free,
stood with me on the railway bridge
to wave at drivers incoming.

You were the man young at heart
who played cricket with me for hours whole
who overpruned grandma's plants
leaving only a 'totem pole.'

You brought magic into my life
with cups and magic tricks
and shared with me your secrets
"Abracadabra Fish and Chips"

You washed up after I baked a cake
you licked the trifle bowl spotless
taught me golf, though I wasn't great,
And had some wonderful socks.

We watched Tom and Jerry together
and demolised bowls full of grapes
We played the three bears with Grandma
and you always smelled of shaving paste.

One day the phone rang,
I was snatched from the clouds.
I often wonder if you can see me?
Have I made you proud?

I'm glad I have these memories
I never want to forget
The eleven years of time we shared
Were simply the best.

You've inspired me in so many ways;
to never grow up
to put your head down and get on with it when the going gets tough.
I'm sad I never got to know you
The time we spent was all centred around me.
But I'm going to keep on smiling. I have a job to do.
To bring magic to other people is now my responsibility.