Amongst the uneven cobbled streets
And pavements, where we dragged our feet
Amongst the rows of terraced homes
And narrow ginnels where we thought, alone
Amongst the bustle of Deansgate
Where rainy skies dampened well-heeled feet
From Ancoats down to Piccadilly
My memories are filled, across the city
Gigs and nightclubs and classical tunes
From Free Hall joy to Banshee gloom
Devilles. Legends. Placemate. Pips.
Apollo. Factory. And of course, the Ritz.
Whitworth Street was my well worn patch
Oxford Street station, where I met my match
Walking along the city’s paths
Where I worked and played and cried and laughed
I know its streets like the back of my hand
A place I’d always be, I’d planned
But fate said it was not to be
And I left the city, so close to me.
It will always have a place in my heart
Nothing and no-one will tear that apart
Manchester was my saving grace
My Northern sanctuary. My happy place
A place where I could be at one
A place where I will always belong
Although I’m now geographically shifted
To other places, my heart is lifted
When I remember Manchester
And everything it means to me
My Northern heart. My Northern soul.
Manchester, you consumed me. Whole.
Ange Chan ©2017
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