The Croft

The pathway leads across the croft Towards the chesnut trees, Been standing there for many years So mighty and so strong, St. Mary's bells are ringing and They echo through the air, While children play so joyfully Upon the slides and swings. The shadows cool beneath the trees That shade October's sun, As now the field is scattered with The husks and fallen nuts, And dwelling there upon the ground Amongst the twigs and leaves, And where the grass is thin and sparse And sunlight rarely shines. A young boy fills his pockets and He carries all he can, But still they keep on falling from His small and dirty hands, As two old ladies seated on A worn and wooden bench, Now talk of all those happy times So many years ago.