Ilkeston Child

'Chicken-steps' in

Shipley Wood,

Bluebells' sweet

Enchanted flood;

Shallow pools in

Bennerley Hills;

Blackouts at the

Window-sills;

Ration Books and

Chewing-wood;

Stumps where iron

Railings stood;

Cabins at the

Swimming Baths,

Childish squeals and

Careless laughs;

Winter evenings

Dull and wet,

Gathered round

A wireless set;

Patterns changing

In the fire,

Here's a Church,

And there's a Spire :

Ilkeston, you cared for me,

But -- I grew up, you see.

by

Shirley Frances Winskill 1991