I visited a castle yesterday which once 

Had a tennis court in the moat 

I found no trace of this recreation 

Queer parties were once held here 

And there were rumours of flappers 

Playing tennis wearing only pearls 

Sailors and local boys were seduced 

By those who should have known better

It all ended in tears disgrace and exile 

Families were broken and careers ruined

Decades have passed since this flamboyance

The world has lost its sense of fun and innocence 

Yet I only witnessed happy ghosts during my afternoon visit 

They still exist and can be found at play in the lengthening shadows

Walmer Castle  

October 2022