Sweet Child of Mine - a poem

 

Flower Girl An illustration by artist Debra Hall

Sweet Child of Mine

 

Wedding bells will ring today

for the in-law’s eldest granddaughter.

With cross n’ chain in the box lay;

white Ribbon, white socks; holy water.

Smile

sweet child of mine.

 

Knees up in the makeshift tub

waist high in foam with an Avon scent.

Lather up Miss Pears and rub.

Maid not forever, just lent.

Smile

sweet child of mine.

 

Four years, fresh as a flower…

in pale blue satin and ribbon bows.

With gangster parent power

it’s grand when Little Miss Sunshine glows.

Smile

sweet child of mine.

 

In church, flanked by the big girls

the little bridesmaid acts as feels best,

heads turn as she leg curls

while I gesture her to stand with the rest

I Smile…

at that sweet child of mine.

 

©Debra Hall 2024

This poem was created on Day 10 of The January Challenge set by poet, author and broadcaster Michael Rosen for 64 Million Artists - a social enterprise that allows everyone in the UK to explore their creative potential.