Giving grandma’s old saying a new twist . . .

My grandma frowned and said to me, (For I had not been good), ‘Millie, I’m afraid you’re not Behaving as you should. You’ve been a naughty little girl And it is my belief That it is time to mend your ways, Turn over a new leaf.’ Mend my ways? What did she mean? My sewing was quite poor. I often used to drop my work And kick it round the floor. I saw that mending ways must wait, The second ploy I’d choose. I went into the garden for There was no time to lose. Grandma’s frown was fearsome and It could go on all day, So I must find a bright new leaf

And turn it straight away. I searched around, alas, alack, The leaves had all turned gold. They were so very beautiful, But also very old.

I picked some up, the colours shone, I turned them round with care, And took them in to Grandmamma, For she was waiting there. ‘I couldn’t find new leaves,’ I said, ‘I’ve turned them, will they do? I think that old is beautiful, I’ve brought them in for you.’ As I said that my Grandma smiled, (It was a welcome sight). And I was pleased because, for once, I had done something right. And now, when in my family, Someone’s been bad or bold We rush into the garden, and We turn a leaf that’s old.