By Joan E. Wilson

I wrote this poem over twenty years ago. It was my very first to get published in 2006. A lot of thoughts have passed since then but seldom am I idle.

However, I was idle when I wrote this as I was working as a receptionist with not very much to do. You see, although I had retired as a Trust/Corporate officer, I was asked to part time at a Trust Company, and so as to keep my mind sharp I agreed. Little did I know there was so little to do and I hated being idle. (I still hate doing nothing!) I, therefore, picked up my pen and started to write.....

IDLE THOUGHTS OF YESTERYEAR

By Joan (Watler Wilson)

Sometimes I let my thoughts run wild when I'm sitting idle

My
mind just wanders and wanders going back in time

And
in the middle of my thoughts are my parents -

So
big and strong - nothing but beautiful memories cloud my mind

Whether
we were swimming or just playing games in the garden

There was a feeling of always being loved.

*

And
watched over by some caring neighbour

Who
showed concern and fussed but always kept a watchful eye on us.

This
is Cayman going back some years

When
times were such and we didn't have much

Worry
was not a way of life but simple contentment amongst us all existed.

*

Those
days we farmed and fished and there were those who wished

They
could see the world or a part of it.

Once
a month maybe a boat would arrive

And
you should've seen us come alive

As
down to the dock we'd strut all excited.

*

We
were dressed to the gills

And
some of us even wore frills

And
you can bet your life they were made right here in Cayman.

Loved
ones were coming or going

And
families were always showing how much they cared.

*

This
too, was Cayman of yesteryear

When
we didn't have cause to fear

For
the island was free of crime - all we really had was time.

Time
to sit and talk with each other,

Time
to sing or walk with another - we didn't have much bother.

*

Except
mosquitoes - stinging us night and day

How
we prayed they'd go a way!

But
that was an island time forgot

When
on the map we were just a spot

And
long before man to the moon was shot.

*

When
land crabs and sea turtles were abound

No
banks, tourists or dive boats could be found,

And
only foreign seaplanes landed in the Sound.

*

When
woman's place was in the home

And
when our children didn't roam.

When
bicycles were used instead of cars

And
when the island had only two bars –

Imagine!