The day I grow up ...

This is ... amazing. I was very surprised by the last stanza, but that's just what made the poem complete for me. It was very clever the way you guided the poem to it's thought-provoking last stanza. The last stanza is definitely my favorite because of it's rather powerful role. The lines...

'Realise that childhood
is a place, rather than a time.'

... are so simple, yet genius.

I also love:

'eat spaghetti without splashing the cloth
and the person sitting opposite me.
Refrain from running like a headless chicken,
whenever I see a wasp.'

I have to say that after reading this poem and writing this comment I realized that it is one of my favorite on the site. A piece I'll keep coming back to and

'Make up my mind to stay there
till I’m at least a hundred and five.'

;-) Nathan

I made some spelling mistakes as I was in the rush when writing the comment, so I've just edited it. ;-p

By the way, I don't think he minds that his shirts and ties got smothered in Bolognese sauce if they're an inspiration to your poetry. Plus, they're probably more colourful. ;-)

Nathan - thanks. You picked the stanza that is closest to my heart too. The one about the spaghetti. My other half has banned me from ordering the stuff if we happen to be eating out. I'm only allowed to eat it at home. The exact number of his ties and shirts I have smothered in Bolognese sauce I haven't the foggiest. But quite a lot!

Tina ;-)

Talking about spelling mistakes - I have just noticed that, quite correctly, you had spelt 'Bolognese' with a capital B and, inadvertently,I hadn't :-( but I have now:-)

And speaking of hubby, fortunately he is quite used to me by now. He usually refers to me as his 'occupational hazard'.

Another from your unending repertoire, dearest Tina, and a classic to boot.
I never tire of reading your work.

L.xxxx

We all have to go through those stages in life one step at a time, sounds a dreadful lot like my little brother which made me smile.

A great poem definitly :)

'or squeeze that squidgy sea-weed
till it pops.'

I don't know why, I'm just drawn to that line. It's very reminiscent of my own childhood when I went to stay on a welsh coast town and they had the rock pools with the squidgy seaweed.

Another genius poem :)

Luigi - from the girl with the geese, a very special thank you.

Nor me yours, I might add;-)

T. xxxxx

Bournemouth, as I remember, was an especially good place for the particular 'breed' of seaweed, MM. It was a vintage pop! Or so I recall it to be. But the Welsh coast - must remember that. I'll let you know if I agree.

I really do appreciate your reading and commenting. Thank you.

Tina

Caolan - you are so right! I never had a brother. Always wanted one. Maybe I would have gott'n along with him better than my sister. We fought like cat and dog!

My appreciation for your comment and for reading my poem.

Tina:-)

I liked this immensely; especially, as others did, the 'childhood is a place' stanza. However, getting 'high and liquor on tripe' is an image that will remain with me until the end of my days, or childhood, whichever comes first. I strongly suspect this will be on the receiving end of some well deserved fruit.... Oh it is!

Ewan - much appreciate your reading my poem, and for taking the time and trouble to let me know you liked it. Speaking of 'liquor and tripe', my other half is mad for it. He used to work in East London and nearby was a restaurant called 'Manzies' (not sure how you spell it). Anyway - they were renowned for their tripe, mash, eels and liquor and probably still are. I hate the stuff myself as I guess you gathered!

Thanks again.

Tina

agree with previous comments - the final stanza is the perfect ending, determined and spirited Margot

Margo - thanks.

Out of curiosity, I took a look at your profile and one piece of yours grabbed my attention. 'Mistaken Identity'. Brilliant poem.

Tina:-)

Here's the cherry... and a well deserved one! ;-)

Nathan - you are too kind;-)

And it is a really juicy one!

A lovely, life affirming work.

Likewise your comment and I thank you for it.

Tina