I Told You So

My mother had a stubborn streak;
Was never loath her mind to speak.
I am sure one thing she wasn't, was a liar.
She wasn't trying to deceive.
Her warning they did not believe,
When she told them the chimney was on fire.

She was upset and in a pout;
I don't know what it was about,
When she saw the roof above begin to burn.
Her bossy sisters laughed and said
If you're so mad just go to bed,
Or you'll get yours from Ma, on her return.

The story goes, she said no more,
But just walked out the kitchen door.
Of course she was just five or six, you know.
I guess they got the fire put out
And learned it wasn't wise to doubt
My mama, who just said, "I told you so.

Joyce Johnson8/7/05