plus ten
(A tweenage princess' lullaby)
little princess nearly grown up and as tall as me,
you’ve got your own mind and we sometimes disagree,
you do things I disaprove of but it’s only coz I care,
and just coz we argue now, don’t think I won’t be there.
dreamland is long forgotten replaced by the latest crush,
I’m reminded that you’re older when your comments make me blush.
when I hear you sounding so grown up I want to keep you in a cage,
coz I remember what I got upto back when I was about your age,
I suppose I remember my princess and its how I want you to stay,
but you’re growing up and I have to let go you have to find you’re own way.
you have a life of your own now and from the occasional glimpse I’m allowed,
unlike me you’re heading the right way and course to doing us proud,
as for me I’m getting older and turning into nan,
I’ve become the disaproving hardarse whom young Kelly wasn’t a fan.
and you’ve become the pissed off kid every bit as gobby as me back then,
and shouts of “get a grip mam” “she needs a bloody good slap” mean the fun’s starting over again.
you moan I’m too old fashioned and though you hate me now,
one day you’ll have kids and come to regret the times you acted a cow.
and in years to come you’ll have a child be it girl or boy,
it’ll take your breath away that this shit shifting machine can bring so much happiness and joy.
and I’ll be fun nanna Kelly, I confess I cannot wait,
for visits and sleepovers where I spoil them rotten and let them stay up late,
and as I tuck them in ill talk of dreamland, a magical place to be,
and though their mammy’s forgotton how she’ll always be little princess to me
(2014)
