Childhood memories of Birmingham

Childhood memories of Birmingham

Sixty years ago when I was a kid a day in Brum was a treat.
With Mom and me Gran we’d shop till noon and then go to Woolies to eat.

Egg, sausage and chips was a marvellous meal, the taste of them bangers was rare,
then after a look round the rest of the shop, we’d try and find summat to wear.

As a child I was almost as wide as was high, it was awkward to find clothes to fit.
But we’d mooch round in Henry’s or C & A stores and find summat after a bit.

Then on to the market, down the Bull Ring this was our favourite spot.
From curtains to shoes and knick-knacks to food those stalls had got the lot.

One day we stopped to have a look at the stall selling puppies and birds,
there was one puppy left so scruffy and sad, Mom and I had no need for words.

Twenty five bob we paid for the pup that really we bought on a whim
“Took from his mom too early” said Gran, “yow’ll never do no good with him.”

But we put him in Granny’s old leather bag and took him back home on the bus.
We thought Dad would shout at us buying the pup but he stroked him and gave him a fuss.

To think what to call this ugly young mutt was really a bit of a game.
But Dad drawing on his wartime past said, “Monty will be his name”

So this pup that my Gran had said we never would rear grew strong and became my best friend.
What fun we had throughout the years until his life came to an end.

That sad day is etched on my memory still and years after now I could weep
‘cos the vet couldn’t do any more for my dog and just had to put him to sleep.

Mom and I once again had no need for words as the vet did this heartbreaking deed.
We waited outside until Dad came out clutching Monty’s old collar and lead.