When we arrived in 51, there were not houses for everyone.
In a tiny flat we had to stay, every day mom would pray.
For a little house in which to dwell, in the flat over each other we fell.
Soon mud houses they started to build, as they were up they got filled.
Our turn came to move that way, corner house in the vlei.
Every day we walked to school, playing games and act the fool.When the big floods came in 54, water was lapping at the door.
Later on we moved up town, better houses all around.
Town was growing left and right, every thing painted clean and bright.
Riverside was so carefree, more fun eating sap from a tree.
To Ridgemont we moved on a plot, dad planted fruit trees what a lot.
Thornhill built as senior school, I went there and learned the rule.Left the town in 1963, but still remember how carefree,
Gwelo had been as I did roam, and still think of it as my home.
Remember all the places I had been, remember where I'd caused a scene.
The camping trips to Whitewaters dam, the school days bunked when I'd sham.
The parties had were not that bad, remember running foul of dad.
The heartbreak over some young girl, then back to the party whirl.Visits back in later years, tend to bring me close to tears,
For in that town I can see, I have left the little me.
Another time another place, we all continue with life's pace.
The places I've been and those I've met, have a part of my nature set.
But Gwelo was a special time, wet eyed as I write this little rhyme.
So in my heart I'll always spare, the memories I have of there.
Written by Pete Barlow 04/01/2001
Email : Pete Barlow