Friends by Betsy MacDonald

MECOPP Gypsy/Traveller Carers Project

FRIENDS

by Betsy MacDonald

The campsite was quiet, it was just about dawn
the birds were preparing for their sweet morning song
then one by one the kids were awake
and came out of their tent with a yawn and a shake

The fires were lit and the kettles put on
and my mother would start to make lovely fresh scones
then after our chores, like walking the dog
some fetching water and some splitting logs

Trying to hurry to get things done quick
then off we’d all go with a hop and a skip
with old cardboard boxes and jam jars and tins
we’d make a wee shop that sold all different things

Then came the discussion of who would be boss
the shop would be toppled with a kick and a toss
then ten minutes later it was built up again
because by that time you see, we’d be back being friends

Most of these friends I still have to this day
but some of them sadly have now passed away
The passage of time maybe keeps us apart
but I still have these memories locked safe in my heart.