Far away countries with strange sounding names,
My friends pack their cases and jump on the planes
With high hopes of sunshine and money to spend,
And maybe meet up with a nice new friend.

Ship a'hoy! Maybe you you could take a cruise
With entertainment and food, too good to refuse.
Visit foreign places, meet people with happy brown faces,
But - none of that for me!
I'll stay in England, not always by the sea.

The countryside is my first love
With tress, hills and valley, and a welcoming pub that serves good grub.
I love to explore the woods at bluebell time
And smell the perfume and think "this is all mine".

My country, with sun and showers
Where I can spend contented, peaceful hours.
Days long ago I would hike,
I could never ride a bike.

Alas, time has overtaken me
And I seek the comfort of a car or coach
Like many a good folk
However, my memory serves me well
And many a good tale I could tell
Of camping and caravanning and eating well.

© Doris Fenner