It’s the day after Midsummer . There is still a faint smell in the air of burnt wood and powder from last night’s bonfires and firecrackers. I remember seeing the smoke on the horizon from several witch’s departure as I looked over the hills last night.
The blackbird is still singing this morning. I had expected it to have ceased but there it is, sitting on the aerial on the adjacent building. 6am and it has been singing for a few hours. It won’t be long before the singing stops all together . But then the smaller birds will continue- so it’s not that bad. We had 4 hours darkness at the most. The blackbird begins it’s song before sunrise. The morning is cloudy but mild. Apart from the birdsong it is incredibly peaceful. I seem to be the only one up and about yet.
Today is a big day. 2P, now having completed their finals, will be riding around on the back of an open lorry with beech branches and flags as decoration, all with a special cap . 22 students have passed their exams, the majority of them about 20 years old. They will be driven by a sober lorry driver, from house to house spread all over the county. Each place they will be offered something to eat and something to drink. Drinks are usually alcohol and by the evening they will be pretty pissed but happy. They will shout and sing and the lorry’s horn will sound continuously.
There will be other graduates from other schools and classes doing the same thing. In the Capital there is a certain square where the kids dance around the statue.
This is quite a merry time and proud parents watch as their kids enjoy themselves. It’s a step on the way and quite an achievement. Now they will all split up to go different ways. Some go on to Uni., others find a job, some will travel and yet others will take a sabbatical.Most will be moving away from their parents home.
Last time it was ‘99. The weather was fine- sunshine and quite hot. Every time I see a young person with a cap on at this time of year I usually have the urge to throw my arms around them and congratulate them. I remember swatting over the books but I refused to wear a cap- that was too traditional for a young hippie like me.
It will be difficult finding work, it will be difficult getting into Uni but I suppose travelling won’t be that hard. It’s amazing how little you can live on at that age and how you can be content with small means.
It is very likely quite a few will fall in love .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uaj2bHj7UGk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbNEOJMGFAo
Comments
Overthetop1 | June 24, 2011 - 12:26
Oh those heady days of passing your exams, getting drunk and having your whole life ahead of you!This piece captures that well.
Silver Spun Sand | June 24, 2011 - 12:41
I loved this, Pia and belated congratulations about your son, by the way;-)
I too feel the way you do...when I see all those young people in their caps and gowns if I happen to be in town on the day of their graduation, as I am usually.
Yes, you are right, it is a tough road they tread nowadays, but a more than worthwhile journey, and one day they will look back and say 'I had the time of my life';-)
Tina
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 13:00
Thanks OTT
;)Pia
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 13:03
Exactly Tina!They are well on their way now. Thank you for the wishes.
Thanks for reading and your lovely words.
;)Pia
Cavalcaderl | June 24, 2011 - 14:38
new Highhat
So true all of this,lovely
story, and congrats; to on the exams
those all passed. We only had 11 plus in our times.
So much harder for them, I wish your son or is it sons well. They do say the crack of dawn is best.
Have a good week-end. I know once we went to Oxford
crowded with students everywhere!
julie xx
insertponceyfre... | June 24, 2011 - 14:39
this piece really captures the excitement - well done Pia - and I think that's a really nice way to end it too!
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 15:19
Thanks Julie- My oldest son took his finals many years ago- he now has a degree. It is my youngest son this is about mostly.
Thanks for reading dear Julie
have a lovely weekend
stay secure
;)Pia
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 15:20
Thank you very much Insert- I like the ending too
;)Pia
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 15:21
Oh thanks for the cherry ;0
Overthetop1 | June 24, 2011 - 16:03
That Cherry is so well -deserved Pia - enjoy your weekend.
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 16:40
the same to you OTT thank you
;)Pia
skinner_jennifer | June 24, 2011 - 19:25
Hi Pia,
can I firstly say congratulations to your son for
passing, that is an amazing achievement, he really
does deserve to go out and have loads of fun.
And you have told us the reader about the celebrations, so well.
I wish him all the luck for the future, I know you
must be a real proud mum.
Congratulations on the cherries, well deserved.
Oh! by the way, I had a lot of fun on YouTube, went
to a lot of my favourites, like Hendrix and the Doors, Led Zepplin, I would never have gone to this
if you hadn't put the contacts on, so thankyou very
much.
Have a magic weekend.
Jenny.
barryj1 | June 24, 2011 - 19:50
For me, one daughter's off to the university in September and the other starts high school. It's a weirdly beautiful escapade. Nice bit of reminiscence.
seashore | June 24, 2011 - 21:22
Yes this has a really good `feel' to it. Enjoyed, Pia
Canary Islander | June 24, 2011 - 21:24
One for the Birds!
Huge congrats, and not only for the Cherry!
:-)
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 21:32
Jenny- I'm really glad you got some enjoyment from youtube- it's loads of fun and there is just everything your heart could dream of. Thank you very much for the kind wishes- yes I am a bit proud- it's nice to see him happy and that all the work has paid off. He deserves a break now and lots of parties and chats with his mates.
Thanks a lot for reading and leaving such a great comment.Lots of magic to you too
atb
;)Pia
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 21:33
Thanks Barry
xx
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 21:34
glad you enjoyed Coral
;)Pia
Highhat | June 24, 2011 - 21:35
CI yes the birds are a part of my day
thanks for your kind comment.
;)Pia
Cavalcaderl | June 24, 2011 - 22:22
New Highhat
Pia hello!
Just seen the cherry!
Well deserved.You definitely
have talented sons.What I mean't
about early daw is the best, is my belated
pop, used to go mushroom picking, so clot ears
me went in those times, up early and all over the downs,safe then, found none! Why silly me not in season.Well I do hope I will be secure,safe for ever. Been see great friend once in our groups and sung to,should be moving to his home, but I terribly feel not well enough yet, to cope in the wheelchair. He was so kind to all. But he is 80 one expects all these things. Joined me in groups over 50's then.
Have a good week-end, don't forget a toast to your son. See if I am emotionally upset,can't type so well.Better when mine is out.I had such a good laugh
over a photo I told you about cardboard cut outs with
holes for the heads to go through.I now Found so funny!Images if only looked like that.And Prince Regent on. Have a good week-end.
Take care.
julie x
Highhat | June 25, 2011 - 06:11
Thank you Julie- your words are much appreciated. Sounds like you had fun with the cardboard cut out heads. At the castle in my town we have a crown (King's crown) you can try on and take a photo of yourself. It was fun.
atb
Pia