My Future - My Past
A walk with my future,
Hand in hand with my sons
I took them to see places, where I played when I was young.

Up the canal paths, down Redhill Street to Ancoats Lane;
We turn around and walk back down the canal paths once again.

The climbing frame still standing, the joy it gave me then,
And now the metal sculpture gives me joy, once again
As I watch my future swinging from its rusty old beams.
As they wrap their legs around it,
Hold on with all their might,
My future it is smiling, it gives me great delight.

I take a look around the place
It’s a very sorry sight,
The place that I had blossomed in, neglected, left to rot,
My stomach starts to twist and knot, it’s odd to feel this way.

To the magic tunnel, it’s the place that time forgot,
Here people used to live and play
But now they have all gone away, to pastures green,
Or so they say.

For all the time we walked, my future and me,
We never saw or heard another human sound
in the place called Ancoats,
Where life always could be found.

In the future of past years my memories will forever last,
In the place called Ancoats where I lived as a lad.
Back then I was the future,
The future for my Dad.

Carmine Grimshaw

Have Your Say means just that! We meet at Victoria Mill every Monday. Why not come along to share your memories, funny stories or gripes with us? We are always pleased to see visitors. Or if you think you may like to get involved in producing Have Your Say, come in for a chat and meet the group. We will make you welcome with a drink and biscuits.