I’ve recently returned to the US, after a long-awaited trip back to the UK, to see family and friends. Not being able to go back home, because of COVID, had made me want it all the more, and really made me start thinking about spending more time there.

While I was there, I spent a lot of time in and around my hometown, as I started to explore buying a small property. As I get older, I am increasingly drawn to the area, particularly the Peak District, which is the UK’s first National Park. I grew up with it on my doorstop, and spent a lot of time exploring it as a child (with my parents, most of the day trips from school, and then later, with friends).

As I was driving through all of the small villages, I found myself remembering the first summer that I’d really explored them under my own steam, with a friend from school. We were 10 years old, and my brother John had finally convinced Mum that it was time for me to be allowed to venture beyond the end of the street. Her only condition was that I should not go off exploring on my own. Remembering that wonderful summer, I thought about Sue, and wondered about getting in touch. We were friends on Facebook, and I should have just sent her a quick note, there and then. I didn’t, unfortunately. Instead, I stopped and took a photograph (the one above), and continued on my way.

Yesterday, I would up to a message from another old friend, letting me know Sue had died, while I was in the UK, after a long battle with cancer. When I woke up this morning, much of this poem was already in my head. I just needed to write it down, remembering and honoring a friend, and the precious summer that we’d shared, so long ago.

Precious Summer

Was it really half a century ago?
My world, suddenly bigger
With you, in the center
What was cause and what was effect?

Fifty years
How quickly they’ve passed
The summer that we shared
Was infinitely longer

We’d started school
On the very same day
I remember your energy and warmth
I remember your kindness

You were my first love
My brother teased me about you
I was fierce in my denial
But I secretly liked that he knew

Hanging out together was your idea
I’d got a new bike for my birthday
“We should go for a bike ride”, you said
“Yes”, I replied, while inside
My heart was ready to burst

Looking at a map
I retrace and relive that day
Pilsley, Hardstoft, Tibshelf, Newton
Blackwell, Westhouses, Stonebroom

We’d cycled for hours
Just one more village, and then another
I loved every single moment
Togetherness had never felt so complete

Afterwards, we cycled back to your house
You introduced me to your favorite snack
Cold baked beans, straight from the can
Even now, whenever I open a can
I think of you, sharing your secret

As I was getting ready to leave
“Shall we do it again, tomorrow?”, you said
“We could do”, I said
Although my legs were tired
I could have somersaulted for joy

We cycled every day, after that
Going further and further afield
I didn’t want the summer to be over
I didn’t want the magic to end

Two weeks ago, I was home
Derbyshire, always playing the long game
Had reeled me back in
“Did you miss me?”, my homeland seemed to say
Always”, my heart replied

Driving through all of those villages
I stopped by Ogston Reservoir, to take a photograph
I thought about you, and about that summer
I thought about getting in touch

Yesterday, I woke to the news
That you’re no longer with us
As I had been reliving that summer
You had been breathing your last

Fifty years have passed
And every year, I still remember your birthday
The world is smaller, for you not being in it
Thank you for that precious summer