This is a memory from my childhood, when I was about Nine years old.
The visiting Aunts have come through the door,
They haven't been here for six months or more,
Their presence is such an incredible bore,
Well I think so!
The visiting Aunts are so out of date,
I soon noticed that when they came through the gate,
Their dresses date back to nineteen-o-eight,
Well I think so!
The visiting Aunts have kisses that smother,
With whiskery chins as one will discover,
Each one is just as bad as the other,
Well I think so!
The visiting Aunts look all around our place,
Tutting and waving their hands, so the lace
Which encircles their wrists shakes a pace,
Why don't they go!
The visiting Aunts are staying to tea,
They're both very fat and will eat more than me,
There'll be nothing left, just you wait and see,
I told you so!
The visiting Aunts they gossip away,
About this and that and 'not in our day',
They never will listen to what others say,
I really feel low!
The visiting Aunts say it's a disgrace,
The way I'm allowed to get dirt on my face,
And go running around with an undone shoelace,
Well, I can't tie a bow!
The visiting Aunts have had 'forty winks',
Mother had said they will go soon, she thinks,
They're both motionless like a couple of sphinx,
Why don't they go!
The visiting Aunts are off down the lane,
Thank goodness they've gone now, they're really a pain, .
I hope that they never visit again,
Please, days go slow!
© Ernestine Northover
Aunt Blodwin, from lizzy Dripping perhaps.I Love your style Ernestine! You're A Star.Love Duncan
Dear Ernestine, Very well-written from the child's point of view. I had a couple of aunts like these myself. Your poem brought back memories and laughter. Peace, Hugh
Very vivid memories and so eloquently put Ernestine, I know exacly where you'r coming from, Charlie
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Dear Ernestine: Such a funny take on a difficult childhood episode! (Every Sun., my Dad took us to visit an aunt and nothing we did was ever right! Thank goodness, she mellowed in her 70's!) This is lovely and FUN - - thank you!