Victoria Park

There was a park in London City
On the north of The River Thames,
In the old land of England
Where colourful people played games.

It was built a century ago
For the people of East London,
It was not very far from where I stayed
Very near the games people played.

Every Sunday I would walk
To sublimely beautiful Victoria Park,
Passing through an old canal
Where I saw people paddling canoes.

I could smell the scent of grass
In the soft gentle morning breeze,
The view of Victoria was clear as glass
While she left me standing there at ease.

Barren trees without leaves
Dropped to the ground in winter’s chill,
Well, it was one of nature’s gifts
Behind the scene there was no hill.

A fountain in the middle of the lake
Rising flowery high without a break,
There was a blue café by the lake
Where the man sold ice- cream flakes.

There was also a cottage where the keeper stayed
So beautiful a cottage I sprouted a wish,
Wished that I could have such a place
To live with my lover in our olden days.

Birds and pigeons flying in the air
Ducks and swans swimming in the lake,
No one knew I went there in despair
No one cared until it was too late.

Used to sit at my favourite place
Watching the children at play,
Feeding the ducks and swans with bread
While the birds and pigeons stole with grace.

At Victoria Park I used to find my peace
Thinking of the people I really missed,
Hoping that they would give me a kiss
When I went home with a broken heart
And I said ‘good- bye’ to Victoria Park.


~ Written in London (1993) ~