Grandparents in Crisis
The lockdown was a bonus for household jobs neglected, Rearranging, painting and cleaning I’d rejected,
Sparkling windows freshly cleaned and woodwork spic and span, Obliterated fingerprints as cleaning went to plan,
The garden’s looking healthy as I’ve done all that I could,
Freshly painted garden walls and newly treated wood,
I’ve really missed my grandkids and family and friends,
But rules have changed dramatically, and we can make amends, It seems I’ve had a phone call. Restrictions have now changed,
The grandkids are on their way. My new life rearranged,
Now have you wondered what would be if a tsunami hits your life, Well I can say in detail with a mind now filled with strife,
A bulldozer would do less harm at 100 miles per hour, My garden feature water is even turning sour,
I think perhaps I need more help. Perhaps call in the army,
My house is under fire here – a warfare origami,
Toys are flying everywhere, and fingerprints are back,
The cat shot into hiding whilst hearing them unpack,
Can someone please explain to me why children need to shout, They even raise the decibels when noone is about,
A football broke my fancy plant and I heard another snap,
My water butt is empty as someone turned the tap,
The house looks like a burglar has turned it inside out,
My lounge has been converted to a rush-hour roundabout,
I’m permanently making meals and have not time to think, Biscuits in abundance and lots and lots of drink,
But hang on folks here’s mam and dad to take the kids away,
I’m like a zombie in the chair. My eyes look far away,
My hair looks like I’ve handled a wet electric socket,
And 50,000 volts it seems is living in my pocket,
The leaving children looked at me and saw a face in sorrow, “Don’t worry, Nannie, don’t look sad we’re coming back tomorrow,”
I’ll send the cat for counselling as she’s trembling with the strain, And I’ll make preparations for when they come again,
I think I’ll buy barbed wire to wrap around my house,
200 metres sounds enough. That would stop a mouse,
But they left a space inside my heart I didn’t know was there,
Not seeing them at all has been like flying in mid air,
I’ve missed their smiling faces which even had a glow,
Do I want them back again? The simple answer’s yes!
Dianne Gage Pontypridd