Wednesday, August 24, 2016

In the local park...

...gathering plump blackberries from the hedge that separates it from the large local cemetery, I was accompanied by raucous shouts and cries from a series of football matches: lots of local teams, girls as well as boys, with massive enthusiastic support from the sidelines...

As things drew to a close, the young people all lined up and there were further shouts and cheers - I think cups and medals were being handed out - and then, across the park, hoarse but enthusiastic voices were raised in the National Anthem:

"...Send her victorious
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over us
God save the Queen..."

It was somehow rather moving to hear that, coming across the park on the warm afternoon air.

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