A Break During Lessons

Reviews

[redd Brick Keshner]

This poem captures a wry, quietly charming moment—a collision between youthful mischief and the gentle chaos of tourism in the Lake District. There’s something wonderfully vivid about the local colour: Derwent Water, Keswick, “The Landings” all conjure damp wooden jetties, weather-worn signs, and the sleepy rhythm of a summer job in a lakeland town.
The interpersonal transaction at the heart of it—a well-meaning but insistent visitor and the teenager who slyly lets the absurdity play out—is handled with such a light hand. It’s not unkindness, but a shared understanding between locals that sometimes, a lesson learned the long way sticks best.
And that final line—“Time we were off home, for tea”—is the perfect shrug. No malice, just the end of the day, the kettle on, and the story tucked away for retelling. It’s all very British in the best way: deadpan humour, a tolerance for the mildly ridiculous, and the unspoken contract between the initiated and the unwitting.
In its simple telling, it says so much: about learning and growing, about place and belonging, and about the quiet joy of stories best enjoyed over a cuppa.

[petec3638]

The lad (17yo) was a great character, as were the whole class
I was a VOLUNTARY LDNP warden, some people requested help to know which way to turn from a mountain top or even lake side > OK we all have to learn - then you get the odd one 'who knows best' One guy had the wrong map > So don't argue with them just let them go
We took one couple with us on a walk - up though some old mine workings onto the fell tops > they were so surprised to find it wasn't a narrow track but a big wide area {maybe 2 miles wide and 8 to 12 miles long > Two more fell walkers

[redd Brick Keshner]

So many layers of response and experience. A very interesting community as well, tight knit and thriving.

[petec3638]

we have lived here in the Lake District National Park for 40+ years
Gave up cycling for fell walking

[redd Brick Keshner]

Now fell walking would be something to venture should I ever make it there. The Beatrix Potter biopic had convinced me that this had to be bucket listed 🪣 📝

[petec3638]

If you do come on a visit let me know
I mat be able to take you on the fells > But would you need a guide > I just need a map showing footpaths > you could be the same

[redd Brick Keshner]

Or be the next tourist tale to grace the next decade! I’ve been prone to misadventures myself 🤣

[William Michael Reeves]

Lessons learned ... the hard way. Best way to get them to stick. Is there a train to Windermere? Maybe far enough to fly. I like the vernacular in this. Takes me to the other side of the pond.

[Betty Hermelee]

Some people can't be convinced of anything.... no matter what you tell them.... but I think this guy learned his lesson.... Nice little tale, enjoy it....
Warmly, B

[petec3638]

Thank you Betty
The lad was a bit of a well nt a comic but full of surprises
I have more about him and students in general
i was taeching 17 to 24 YO's
Industrial process control > to be specific how they; measure things >> Temperature; pressure; level of liquids; windspeeds and test colours in dyeing to get thr shades etc correct

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome!
Warmly, B

[petec3638]

Betty This is the same student who wanted permission to go to France to play rugby
I wish They were all like him . that was a class to remember