CHILDREN AT PLAY?
In the days when children were seen and not heard,
When in the home and at table dare not say a word.
But outside in the back garden or in the busy street
They could laugh and play and each other greet.
My mom said when in the park wearing her best dress
It was not very pleasant she willingly did confess.
A little nod and a smile and a curtsey to the rich,
No running around playing or rolling down t he ditch.
Even in everyday clothes, you then could often play
But had to stay all lady-like in every single way,
Play ball with decorum or a game with tossing sticks
But if you came home dirty you were sure for a lick.
The four children grandad saw chatting or pretending to play
Really made me glad that I was born at a much later day,
Maybe they were happy and very well disciplined indeed
He may have just captured a moment of happy reprieve.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 18 January 2005