spanish city book launch

BAY WHEEL

Here I come

through Bay Fog,

gold ring glinting

in the Park Road dark.

Seeking a North Sea fortune,

looking for a tuneful lass

to make my aching skin sing

of Wooden Dollies

and Spanish Galleons,

sailing across the old fairground

to sunnier climbs.

There’s this guy in the Rockcliffe

and he looks like a ghost.

He’s as pale as the weather

amd mist drips from his nose.

He’s an Old Waltzer,

my young Uncle Walter,

and his eyes are all talk of the War.

He did his strong courting

in an Old Spanish City

and the rose he seduced

was a Cullercoats’ flame.

Now those cold bones are ready

for the warm Crematorium:

a Memoriam to seconds flown by;

the joy of the candyfloss,

the hum of the summer,

the simmer of hamburgers,

and the hot suck of kisses dashed off.

And I am the dome of your past,

the breast of the future,

and I will hug your treasured snaps,

stick your faces in my locket

and spin you down my blouse.

For I have given you joy.

I have thrown you lifelines

and bobbing girls and boys.

And my Bay Wheel

keeps on turning.

My Big Heart

goes on burning.

My Sweet,

my sweet Streets,

my Catalon Whitley,

kiss me.

Kiss me.

KEITH ARMSTRONG

Thanks Keith.

Really enjoyed the event, it's a fantastic book.

Well done!

Rachel

Hi Keith,

Thank you very much for a memorable evening and for achieving this very worthwhile publication to mark the Spanish City's 100th Anniversary.

It must make you very proud to have produced something which will hopefully be read by the good folk of Whitley Bay for many years to come.

It was a real pleasure meeting and thank you for allowing me to be part of your project.

Yours,

Stan Graham.

Thank you Keith.

The book is beautiful.

See you soon,

Catherine. x