The Beautiful Day

On the beautiful, beautiful day
nobody moped or cried
or said that the lemonade
was too expensive to buy

and the sun was not too hot
and the wind was not too strong
and the sandwiches tasted right
and the journey was not too long

and the river was bright and cold
and we paddled and splashed in fun
and were good — as good as gold —
and we shared the gold we spun

and when it was time for home
nobody seemed to mind
and the car was snug and warm
and we all sang ‘Clementine’

and our darling beds were fine
with sheets fresh-ironed and new
and we slept like babes till dawn.
It was beautiful and it was true.

Helena Nelson

If you've any comments on this poem, Helena Nelson would be pleased to hear from you.