Fliperty Jip

"Oh fliperty jip"my Mum would say
when one of us got in her way,
to be good we would try and try
but very often you'd hear the cry-
"come on kids give me a break
give me strength for heavens sake."

Days out were always a big decision
to be plannned with military precision,
we would be counted one to eight-
yes all here, wait by the gate,
guessing was fun as to where we were going,
seaside, zoo or boating lake rowing.

We all left home, then some returned
when-in love they had been spurned,
Mum "tut-tutted" and made lots of tea
never thinking a councillor would she be!
Making sense while easing the pain,
she made us safe like a child again.

Through all the laughter and the tears,
Mum soldiered on for years and years
believing that for us, she had done her best
sitting quietly in the empty nest,
she reflected she had not done a bad job
of bringing up her unruly mob!

A Great Grandma and now retired,
Mum's always there when required.
Looking back at all she has done,
must have the patience of a saint, my Mum,
and so I have written this for "saint Sheila"
always there when we need her.

Thanks Mum.