The Summer of ‘49

(teenage kids)

a claustrophobic journey in
a packed coach of day trippers

find sweethearts posed for a
snapshot moment on Southend pier

the heat of a burnished summer sun
not lost in Kodak monochrome

he with his sweater over a shoulder
casual in white open collared cotton

she with away day hair tousled and fair
a radiant smile focused on his eyes

she has found her ever after with a
penniless uni student of physics

he has found his soul mate and a mother
to a future brood of contentment

theirs was a match made in the stars
foundations of a home built to last

Reviews

[FGFRANKLIN]

Heavenly shades of romance and young love when the heart is alive in every nerve and the mind is seduced by youth. You can feel the nostalgia like a scalloped edged black and white photograph and the almost warm breeze from that summer's day. What a wonderful trip into the past.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is a gift Fabian. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Claude]

This poem has a gentle, nostalgic charm. The details—sunlight on the pier, clothing, and expressions—make the moment feel frozen in time, like an old photograph coming to life. I love how it captures the quiet intimacy of young love while hinting at the life that follows, connecting a fleeting summer day to a lifelong story. The rhythm is soft and flowing, and the imagery—“foundations of a home built to last”—leaves a warm, satisfying feeling. It’s reflective, tender, and full of life’s subtle sweetness.

[Chris Shaw]

I love that you picked up on the photograph. Thank you kindly Claude for your review. Your thoughts very much appreciated.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

This drifts with gentle, observant warmth—like sunlight through a window you didn’t know you’d been waiting for.
I love how the everyday and the eternal collide here, simple gestures carrying whole futures.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughtful review is very much appreciated Thomas. The photo, a favourite of my parents when they first met. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Vol]

Chris,
Half the world away, they could have easily been my parents, with me as the first of the brood... I was born in that season, that year...
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Vol. Yes half a world away. My mum and dad had just started courting. I have a lovely black and white photograph of this moment. Pleased the poem resonated with you. All the best.

Chris

[Vol]

Chris,
I love those pictures with the white borders and sepia tones of a time in history when I began, when my soul took a deep dive to join me with no knowledge of where we would one day go... But here we are!
Vol

[Vol]

Chris,
Half the world away, they could have easily been my parents, with me as the first of the brood... I was born in that season, that year...
Vol

[Buddhistboy73]

Loved this "mini-movie" poem which takes us on a journey from more "innocent times"...
This made me smile ...as I remembered past school trips trying to connect with the opposite sex.....

I loved the final two lines...

Theirs was a match made in the stars
Foundations of a home built to last...

Thanks for sharing

BB73

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much BB. A poem about my mum and dad, taken from a photograph. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

How wonderful it is when old photos are so much more than a mere image. They're like a time machine to the past. I always find your words meaningful and full of heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sam, thank you so much for your warm review. I hope all in your world is good. A little tribute here fir my parents. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

The sweetest Poem I ever read.. from beginning to end. I was 9 in 49. Penny loafers later on. Only the Radio to entertain. My Mom and Dad met when she was seventeen and he was 24.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. They were teenagers. A couple of years before they married. My Dad adored my mum till his dying breath. Thanks for sharing your Mom and Dad too. So pleased you like my tribute. Have a good Tuesday. You have been in my thoughts.

Chris 🌺

[Lorry]

I picture a young couple at one of those seaside photo booths you stick your head through the hole and get to look like a naughty postcard.
Do you still have the kiss me quick hat Chris? 😊

[Chris Shaw]

A tribute to my parents. Teenage sweethearts on a day out to Southend. Ha, I remember kiss me quick hats:) Have a great day Lorry and thank you for stopping by.

Chris

[Lorry]

I still wear mine, but no one wants to kiss me. Well, no one I can outrun at least! 😊

[JessyJacob]

Hi Chris! Is everything ok? Just trying to see no reply from you. I am not in a position to give up. Well is it bothering you, I just want you to be happy. Please review my new chapters Jessy George & John Jacob, a short novel of my memoir. Hope you like it.

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Jessy sweetheart. Have been very busy. Will call on you soon. Have a lovely day today.
read moreHi Jessy sweetheart. Have been very busy. Will call on you soon. Have a lovely day today.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

Ok Chris! Waiting for the call.

[Dave]

Sounds like the very beginning. It's funny that I too can recall everything she was wearing the first time we met. From the sweater draped over her shoulders down to her Penny loafers.

I'm sorry that you seemed to give up on MINDY.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

It was the beginning for my parents. A tribute to teenage parents. Many thanks Dave.

Chris