I was not the one that skinned the cat
that was someone else I knew
and Mother said,
(now this is true)
'you'll swing 'cause that's what bad boys do'
I wouldn't never hurt a fly
or any creature that flew by in colours radiating through my skin I only ever wanted to get in and fly myself.
and Mother said,
'why don't you find a girl and settle down', and with a knowing frown unknowing that I'd never settle down I wandered slowly down by the river bank.
Mother always made me see that being frank and open to discussion would stop the rushing in my head.
And it was always Mother said for she knew best,
'change your shorts,put on a vest, wash behind your ears lest potatoes sprout'
and if on being naughty she gave me a clout
(quite often as I recall)
she would always say she loved me and Mother couldn't see the tears that came unbidden into my eyes
when upon reaching maturity I sat to realise the only things that this life brings you free of charge
is Mother's love but by and large these tears I cry will dry and my face will brighten up again.
And Mother said,
'wipe your snotty nose'
Mother always knows everything.