The night when Lillie flew
I wrote this for our eldest granddaughter
Lillie for her 4th birthday.
Like most girls her age she had at the time a
passion for unicorns!
This is a tale which happened one night
At the home of Nanny and Grandad White.
Nanny said “It was OK
If Lillie wanted to come and stay.”
Her mum and dad said “Yes she could
As long as she was very good.”
Lillie had a lovely day
Having fun and lots of play.
Then Nanny said “Hey! Sleepy head
I think it’s time to go to bed
Lets go upstairs and brush those teeth
And then it’s time to go to sleep.”
Grandad made up a bedtime story
About a unicorn named Rory
Then she kissed Grandad Goodnight
And together they blew out the light.
Then Lillie snuggled down in bed
The vision of unicorns still in her head.
Lillie woke up in the night
To find her bedroom full of light
And standing there before her eyes
A unicorn – my, what a surprise!
The unicorn said “My name’s Rory,
Do you remember me from your story?”
Lillie said “Of course I do
But can you tell me if it’s true
When they say unicorns can fly
Really high up to the sky?”
Rory said “Oh yes, of course!
What do you think I am – a horse!?
You see I have a magic hoof
Climb on my back I’ll show you proof.”
She climbed on board and held on tight
And together they took off in flight.
Lillie said “Wawwww this is brill!”
As they flew out and down the hill.
They flew all over Cashes Green
And even great gran’s house was seen!
They flew on silent as a mouse
And soared up over Tricorn House.
Lillie shouted “This is cool!”
As they flew on past Marling School.
On Westward Road they went in flight
Passing Homebase on their right.
Then Lillie shouted really loud
“Hey look, we’re flying over Stroud!”
Rory said “You’d better duck”
As they soared under the viaduct!
Past Halfords, Dominoes and Vue
Then up over the footbridge flew
Past Locking Hill and Uplands Park
They continued flying in the dark.
Towards The Fountain they both fled
“Hello Alan” Lillie said.
In Dudbridge Sainsbury’s sign so bright
Shining orange in the night.
Past Bowling Club and Olympic Cars
Lillie said “There’s a car like ours!”
They carry on into the dark
Flew over QE2 Play Park.
Along the canal to Ebley Mill
Lillie having such a thrill!
Then the sky was getting light
Its time for them to end their flight.
So up through Foxmoor Lane they sped
Taking Lillie back to bed.
They arrive back silent as a mouse
And flew back into nannies house.
“You’re safely back now” Rory said
And Lillie climbed back into bed.
As daybreak dawns her slumbers end
She looks to find her flying friend
But he has flown away it seems
So was it real – or just a dream!
You must decide but I think it’s true
What happened the night when Lillie flew!
At Little Mill Court they soon were soaring
She even heard her daddy snoring!
Past Lansdown Motors on their right
They carried on their fearless flight
Past Subway, Smiths and Curios
On and on their journey goes.
She said “The Sub Rooms I can see
And look! – there’s ecotricity!”
Up John Street and past Iceland too
And soon The Shambles came in view.
Then up and up they soared much higher
And flew around the tall church spire.
They flew on down past Halifax,
The Post Office and Café Max.
Past shops and stores and taxi ranks
Past cafes, charity shops and banks,
Down Rowcroft Lillie held on brave
George Holloway’s statue gave a wave.
Under the bridge then back up high
Above Hill Pauls the pair did fly.
They circled round then down again
Past railway station with waiting train.
Past Quik-Fit and by Bath Road too
Past Mega-Bite and B&Q.
No children or unicorns were harmed in the writing of this poem
Clive M White
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