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