 ME M O R I E S . O F . H I G H . S T I was born in High Street many years ago Opposite the convent where to school I used to go My mother had a small shop that was open eight till late When the neighbours bought their groceries They could put them on the slate. Fitzpatricks lived just up from us, theirs was a house of fun Barney, Nellie, Conleth – and Bernie their only son Patricia was my best friend, we played in the open air With the Markeys and the Turleys who came up from the Square. We didn’t have the fancy toys that children have today A rope around the lamp-post gave us many hours of play Or we called for Maureen Grogan who lived just up the street And we visited her aunt Maggie’s house, that was indeed a treat. For Maggie told us stories of many years ago Of banshees and of fairies and of things we didn’t know We tried not to believe her but we were always scared So we all sat close together, it was best to be prepared. And then we had Miss Ethel and for weeks she worked with us Teaching us how to act and sing with the minimum of fuss For we were from the Windmill and Top Talents we could win And the Parochial Hall was packed each night when we got up to sing. Oh the memories are many and the years just drop away When I think back to my childhood and the games I used to play And the neighbours that we lived beside who always helped each other If someone was in trouble then nothing was a bother. And now if I meet someone new they’ll very often say “Were you born in Newry, of did you come to stay?” And I will always answer them, “Yes, Newry is my town And I am very proud of that and the roots that I’ve put down”. For I was born in High Street many years ago And that’s the best street in the town I think you ought to know And though we’re now a city with buildings new and tall I’m glad to say that High Street has hardly changed at all. Though the faces now are ageing and many are long since gone That happy, friendly atmosphere is every bit as strong As it was when I was growing up all those years ago Opposite the Convent where to school I used to go.
|
Reminiscence 
