Mother may I

About making time while you still can.

Mother may I come with you and help you in the kitchen

"No the fire it to hot my dear and the dishes to heavy for hitchin"

Mother may I hold your hand and walk to the shops with you

"No my dear the way is long and you dawdle like you do"

Mother may I hold you tight and join you on your chair

"No my dear for grubby hands will ruin what I wear"

Mother may I play with you and paint and laugh and sing

"No my dear for I have chores and many other things"

Daughter dear may I come and see you for some tea

"No my dearest mother for I have a date tonight you see"

Daughter dear may I come and walk you to the gates

"No my dearest mother for you always make me late"

Daughter dear may I come and visit you today

"No my dearest mother for I'm off on holiday"

Mother may I come and sit by your cold stone grave

But mother will not answer, nor ever will again.