Papworth Days

I remember those days in the village;
(It seems like yesterday)
It was designed with facilities for the disabled-
The friendships I made there with people whom like me were unable

To live without assistance:
We had this in common-
I valued them more than I realised at the time.

Some were in wheelchairs; some had learning difficulties,
Some were fully able bodied.
For a few who had difficulty speaking
When I passed them we smiled and nodded.

I was unemployed then-
Though looking for work-
There was a simplicity to my life That I've lost.
I go to work now
And live more conveniently in a town,
Though I wonder sometimes:
At what cost?

Though I'm not there anymore,
I won't forget the friends that I made:
Cafe meetings, bowls, and the pub on Fridays.
I perhaps took it for granted at the time
But I fondly remember those days.

The community spirit was strong.

MDC