Gail Terry

If you go down the allotments today,
by the railway tracks and through the large gates you will be in for a pleasant surprise!

A green carpet of grass, a terrace
from whence to watch the battle commence.

To the skip’s desired length,
the leads roll the jack
and then place their woods as close as can be,
(they know they are unlikely to stay put).

The seconds follow and the rest,
before the walk up the green passing the skips
on their way down.

A drink in hand, and a glance at the distant North Downs
before watching:-

the skips take aim (will they fire?),
the click of woods, the concentration:-
then ‘well bowled’ is cried,
and then another end is begun.

Twenty-one ends marks the End,
with handshakes all round – what now?!!

A move to the 22nd End – all is forgiven,
for there is always the dreams of another day,
in this beautiful place.