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Alley
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a cobbled alleyway with green doors located along it.
The alley hasn’t changed much. Even the colours of the doors are the same, but that’s only because the landlord got a job lot at a discount.
It’s silent now, no kids playing footie or hopscotch, and the familiar bicycles are no longer propped up against walls. Funny how in those days you could leave your bike outside and know it would still be there when you came out.
The sounds of ‘Coo-ee’ at the back door was a sign to put the kettle on and get out the biscuits if you were rich enough to have any. On Mondays, there was usually cake as Sunday was baking day for the week.
Us kids were at least 6 to a family, sleeping arrangements top to tail in a double bed, boys and girls together didn’t matter in the two up two down. We were warm, fed, had clothes on our backs and shoes on our feet. Everyone had a good coat, even if it was a hand me down from a sibling or a neighbour.
Outsiders called us urchins as we had grubby faces, hands and knees, but we went to bed clean, in clean sheets smelling of sunshine and lavender. Bath night was fun when the old tin bath was yanked off the kitchen wall and the eldest of us had first dip. No-one minded sharing.
Nobody minded, period.
We were all cut from the working class cloth, but our values were higher than most. There was an honour amongst us in that alley. No bullying was allowed, and should it start, Big Brothers came to rescue and had ‘a quiet word’.
No, the alley hasn’t changed that much. I’m the landlord now and look after my tenants.
They in turn look after my property, keep the streets clear, and the windows clean.
There’s always a cup of tea on offer when I collect the rent. Some of it is paid in paper, other in coppers and shillings, but always on time and always in full.
The honour in that Alley will never die as long as I’m living.
pensitivity101 
That is such a warm tale! Sounds like a true story
Could be!!
They were happier simpler times, Di! I bet, anyway! Xx
They had enough and indeed life was simpler.
That’s great, you’ve built a gorgeous picture of life, wonderful
Thanks Deb.
A sweet look back at what was and what can be if the right folks are in a position of authority!
Thanks Val. That’s exactly how I intended for it to come across.
Up to the last few lines I actually thought it WAS a true story. I remember spending time in the alleyways where my friends lived, when it was safe to play outside.
My great grandparents had alleyways behind their house. It could be true……….. would be nice if it was.
That alley has definitely resonated with several of us! Nice work 🙂
Thanks Jemima. Always a pleasure to hear from you.
This is wonderful, Di. It could read like a diary! Such a wonderful reflection of what was, and an understanding of what ‘enough’ really means. Thank you for a marvellous entry to #writephoto. KL ❤
Glad you liked it KL.
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