A good beating
How well I remember those days of old,walking through the woods in the freezing cold.I'd bang the trees with my stick or club,then trip over brambles or low level scrub.
There were early mornings with frost on the ground,
when I flushed out pheasants for less than a pound.
I'd work long hours in wellington boots
to assist the guns on their Saturday shoots.
I used to go beating just for the money,
but when cold and wet it wasn't funny.
I did however, make friendships here,
and get paid ten bob, plus a bottle of beer.
Bob Luckhurst
Sompting