Year 1. April 1942 by Alexandra Clifford.

This poem is a true story of my great grandparents. I wrote it for their wedding anniversary. They are both 93 and loving life. ;) (I'M SORRY IT RHYMES BETH) ... (also there's a line with 'Jacky Earwicker'... he was my Nan's first boyfriend). 

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April 1942

Once upon a time,
in a little house on Zion Road.
A baby boy was born,
with a heart filled with gold.

Six months later,
in number one Spencer Place,
a baby girl was born,
with a heart filled with grace.

At the age of fourteen,
and rushed across the street,
the little girl was told to work;
so her mother could make ends meet.

The little girl,
now a laundress manageress.
Had somehow broken her bike,
whatever would she do next?

A young butcher boy
made his way across Bridge Stock Road,
with a pump to fix her bike,
and his heart about to implode.

"May I take you to the pictures?"
Said the young butcher boy.
"I don't see why not."
Said the laundress a little coy.

It was from that day
that their love grew thicker and thicker.
Six penny hops, pretty dresses
and no more Jacky Earwicker.

Wedding vowels were exchanged,
In April 1942.
It was a magical day in St James’s church,
where they whispered "I do.”

Two months later, the man received calling up papers.
So the husband had to leave his lady.
Off he went at the age of nineteen;
leaving his wife and unborn baby.

No places left in the Air Forces,
he went with The Navy on the whim.
So off he went to Collinwood,
although he was unable to swim.

In 42 their first baby was born,
and a short visit home soon made it two.
The distance apart was unbearable,
though she hoped he'd make it home soon.

The man now aboard the survivor’s ship,
was officially lost at sea.
His wife waited anxiously,
wondering, if he'd ever make it home for tea.

Five years later the man returned,
and on his journey he'd seen the world.
But nothing compared to being home safely-
And in his arms his newborn baby girl.

The man now in railway maintenance
had created a happy home.
Their family grew up around them,
so their hearts were never alone.

Their grandchildren grew up strong,
both selfless and filled with passion.
One with too much knowledge,
the other obsessed with fashion.

It wasn't long before they became great-grandparents.
And no prouder could they be.
As each great-grandchild was unique and talented;
their souls ran wild and free.

The couples love still remains to this day,
at the root of their family tree.
So thank you for teaching us all how to love,
And Happy 73rd Anniversary.