When I'm a little old lady...
I’ll live with my children and
bring them great joy
To repay all I’ve had from each
girl and boy.
I shall draw on the walls and
scuff up the floor…
Run in and out without closing
the door.
I’ll hide frogs in the pantry,
socks under my bed
Whenever they scold me, I’ll
just hang my head.
I’ll run and I’ll romp, always
fritter away
The time spent doing chores
everyday.
I’ll pester my children when
they’re on the phone
As long as they’re busy, won’t
leave them alone!
Hide candy in closets and rocks
in a drawer
And never pick up my clothes on
the floor.
Dash off to the movies and not
wash a dish
I’ll plead for allowance
whenever I wish.
I’ll stuff up the plumbing and
deluge the floors
As soon as they mop it up, I’ll
flood it some more!
When they correct, me I’ll lie
down and cry
Kicking and screaming ― not a
tear in my eye.
I’ll take their pencils, their
flashlights, and then
When they buy new ones, I’ll
take them again!
Put toys on the table, spill
jam on the floor…
I’ll break lots of dishes as
though I were four.
I’ll stir up some cookies or
perhaps make a cake
But I won’t clean the mess from
whatever I make.
I’ll not make my bed or clean
up my room
I’ll pretend I’ve never heard
of vacuum or broom.
I’ll take a bath, but won’t
clean the tub
I’ll just leave it ― for my
children to scrub!
I shall use two or three towels
and maybe some more
Then I will just drop them
right on the floor.
What fun I shall have, what joy
it will be...
To live with my children like
they lived with me!
By Elayne Pearson
