https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3DffKLEGZA&t=39s
SING A SONG FOR HENSHAW
(FOR YOU MY MOTHER EVA)
Illuminate this slumbering old village for my mother,
let her country fields glow with a fine light that’s warm.
This radiant song is for Henshaw
to be shared by the birds in the sun.
We scattered her ashes down a lane here,
we took her back home where her dreams could rest in the soil.
We returned her to her happy childhood
and the laughter where she was born.
She gave all the love in her heart to me,
there was nothing she wouldn’t do for this boy.
She’s gone back to her roots by the river
to join up with my fine father again.
Let those ashes of bones float on this breeze
and glint in the open Northumbrian skies.
She’s resting now in the joys of spring,
resting in my heart as well full of the breath from her soul.
I relish the days you gave me your all for mother,
I thank you for the darling touch of the dew.
Even in my darkest and scatterbrained times,
I grew in the glow of your tunes.
I carry your picture all over this world,
show it to accountants in airports and singers in the rain.
I won’t allow myself to forget your lovely tenderness,
community lessons learned from you, your devoted and neighbourly ways.
Your bonny canny lad will be kind for you
and scatter the blue coloured petals of love.
Along every new street I visit,
I’ll always be dancing for you.
This son will revere your oath of caring,
your compassionate concern for the beggar next door.
I’ll go back along the walls you skipped over
to rejoice in your marvellous and wonderful smile.
So I have carved out this poem for you and your Henshaw,
it reflects the beautiful flowers in your eyes.
I am breathing a fresh lyric on a Tyneside day,
singing my deepest feelings for Eva and the delicate blossoms she grew.
KEITH ARMSTRONG
Henshaw is a village on the South Tyne in Northumberland where Keith Armstrong's mother Eva spent her childhood.
Rob Walton Love this one, Keith. Great stuff.
Mo Shevis What a beautiful tribute Keith. Lovely place too.
Toon van den Boogaard Beautiful poem, Keith.
Must have been a remarkebly nice lady, to recieve these kind words of love and gratitude.
Nick Pemberton Extra special one there :-) x
Catherine Graham A beautiful tribute, a beautiful poem filled with love for your beloved Mother. x
Brian Ings So much love, so much poetry, Keith. Thank you for sharing.
