Aden
As I sit here and think of times gone by
I reminisce and let out a thoughtful sigh
Fifty years are gone and in the past
But the memories, like these words, are here to last
To the dentist father and teacher mother came the blonde arrival
I think there were times when Maggie doubted her survival
But with the help of house boys and the amahs
Life unfolded and with it life’s unexpected dramas
To Bir Fuqum and the house on the hill
Above a small fishing village which remains there still
Life was full of people, parties and picnics on the beach
Life’s rich tapestry about to unfold and so much to teach
It was during those days surrounded by sand
That this was to become the promised land
The barren rocks and crystal blue ocean
This was surely a young person’s love potion
Us kids frequented the Community hall
Where we played games of squash, badminton and generally had a ball
It was all about fun in the land of sun
As we danced and swam and partied by the ton
It was as hot as hell and the souq stunk
Some things as bad as an old dead skunk
Shopping trips were a mission to Big Aden
But on our return we came back fully laden
Scottish Country dancing, fancy dress parties and midnight swims
We’d even get dolled up to watch those old films
We learnt to smoke and raid the folks’ drinks cabinet
When the parents found out, that was that over – damn it
After LAPA it was off to the Isthmus school
Onto a bus with a lengthy journey we thought was so cool
Never a thought about the danger and the worry
We’d rush on and wave ‘goodbye’ with our lunch boxes and childhood flurry
As the troubles got worse our excitement grew
We had no idea what was about to ensue
Off in the bus protected from bombs and the enemies tricks
Stopped en route by the British army who had mirrors on sticks
A torturous time was had by all
As parents said goodbye and waited for the call
Sometimes we got stranded in Khormaksar not able to get back
The mood could be particularly black
Boarding school was the next call
To leave behind us the paradise of Aden et al
An evacuation for kids and wives was the next event
Back to where we came from, we were all sent
The end of an era for the Little Aden kids
Where’s the best place to live, prey put in your bids
Most of us hanker for the past
Hanging on to our memories in the hope they can last
As I look back and think, God those time were good
Surrounded by people, beverage, laughter and food
I wouldn’t change anything for the world
As a complex but lucky adult has her word
Caroline Anderson 2006