Traditional English Summer Holiday

by Lis McDermott

Everyone looks forward to escaping on summer holidays, Time to get away from the humdrum and relax in the sun, Forget work, laze around all day, soaking up the rays, looking forward to a week or maybe several weeks of fun.

Children play happily with their buckets and spades, building their castle of dreams in the sand, Whilst Granny Pam, remains hidden in the shade, listening to the distant, melodies of the town brass band.

Siblings chase each other at the seas edge, along the beach While Dad juggles a bouquet of many flavoured ice-creams, as they drip their luscious promise just out of everyone’s reach. Mum relaxes, devouring a romance, starring the man of her dreams.

Out at sea, an array of bright, inflatable creatures float passed, Echoing squeals of delight escape from riders of a large pink flamingo; On the distant horizon, a flotilla of sailing boats, whose bobbing masts, appear and disappear with the tides swell of highs and lows.

Around midday, everyone starts to get the munchies. Keeping a wary eye on the skies for seagulls, such greedy birds, Hovering overhead as you tuck into your packed lunches, they swoop, grab free fish and chips, hunting in delinquent herds.

When the summer showers appear, families decant to the pier, spending time playing crazy golf or visiting the amusement arcade, Anything to keep the kids entertained, whilst waiting for the all clear, When the sun reappears, they set off for a leisurely promenade.

Tired families trundle back to their choice of seaside-family abode, rock-pool treasure; sea-shells, pebbles in buckets, dripping all the way. Children sleep, parents, glasses of wine in hand, rest before they implode, then plan exciting excursions and prepare to press repeat for the next day.

After a long career in music within education, and as an OFSTED inspector, Lis began to focus on her other passions, photography, and writing. Working as professional headshot photographer and writing coach. She has since published numerous books on photography, poetry, short stories, and romantic suspense.