When I Was Ten Poem by Gert Strydom

When I was ten
I knew the difference
between boys and men,

that somebody is always bigger,
stronger, faster and sometimes
has more common sense

and for a few Rands
I bought a cricket ball, a bat
and poles, and some chocolates
for my mother

roses and some beans
from the nursery
for my own garden
and planted them into holes

and life was great
and if I knew you then
I would offer you an ice cream,
and a cool drink or two

but now that we are adults
and I see love in your eyes
red roses will probably do.