Homework 5/3/12 - The day I yelled at Mother

[Maureen K Clifford]

The day I yelled at Mother

The day I yelled at Mother is one I remember well
mainly because my Father proceeded to give me hell.
He used words like respect and manners, fealty and love
then sent me supper less to bed – Iron hand but in kid glove.

My Mother snuck a little snack of something to my room
which went a long way to disperse my wallow into gloom.
Unhappy Father would be, were he to view the deception,
but news-paper had him engrossed, that dimmed his perception.

Why did I yell at Mother? That question no one had asked,
too busy were they standing there with expressions aghast.
I well recall the words I yelled – for they’re stuck in my brain.
Next time I’ll be more circumspect and not use them again.

‘ Hey Mother shift yourself right now, and get out of the way
AND HURRY UP!!!! DON’T DALLY LIKE YOU’VE GOT ALL BLOODY DAY.
Do not make me tell you again – just do what I say now.
Don’t stand there gawping woman, move your ass you silly cow.’

Of course Mother took great offence; in truth I now see why
I was but ten years old then and to let such language fly
to Mother in loud, uncouth tones was totally amiss.
But she just didn’t get it – I had heard the serpents hiss.

I’d seen the undulating grass as snake slithered and slid
out of the wood-heap, where she was gathering up amid
the logs and timber flitches, her kindling for the stove.
Our woodheap would have been that snakes very own treasure trove.

Perchance if it happens again I’ll try to be refined
and say to her in dulcet tone –‘ Mother if you don’t mind
please step aside quick as you can for I perceive a snake.
FOR GODS SAKE WOMAN HURRY UP !!!’ Whoops sorry, my mistake.

Maureen Clifford © 02/12