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simon
Member

since 2008-01-14

Posts 440
London, England

0 posted 2008-04-25 08:31 AM

I've never been so much as in contention to be a potential uncle.
Ever been mentioned as a possible Godfather.
because when I babysit some kids
it all turns in to such a palaver

And I've always envied those who are adept at playing children's games and
throw them round like aeroplanes
reduce them into fits and throes of laughter
the best evening's entertainment
juxtaposed with me
I must be
the morning after.

I've been trying to learn the hard way
the best things to and not to say
when they show you a picture they drew
and it looks nothing like it's meant to do
I've learnt not to pick up on all of it's problematic points
because that often disappoints
and won't earn me any brownie points.

And I've learnt to not pat them on the head
whilst talking about current affairs
it's a surefire way of sending them packing back upstairs
off to bed with nightmares.

But it's not my fault!

I just don't know what to do or say or how to behave around a kid of 6
and I'm not asking for a professorship in paediatrics
it would just be nice to be able to draw on a range of different tactics
like, I dunno, doing silly voices or conjuring tricks, something kids like.

And before anyone says,
'But you must know you were one once too.'
Yes I was but I was somewhat of a dunce, who all the other kids all desperatly tried to avoid and were all quite physically annoyed. Who they didn't particullary want to see and certainly didn't ever want to be. I never knew or particullary wanted to do what the other kids did. Show me a bunch of kids and I've have probably hid. See my childhood was just one big memory of which I couldn't wait to get rid.

So no, I can't remember what it was like.

And now I'm all grown up and much to my suprise, I'm told I'm supposed to be all old and wise.
But I'm afraid this skin I'm standing in
is just something
of a disguise.

Roniece Dawson-Bruce
Member Ascendant

since 2000-01-29

Posts 5689
Sydney, Australia

1 posted 2008-04-25 08:41 AM

oh Simon, you do smile me...!! love RDB

Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight.........

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

2 posted 2008-04-25 11:35 AM

I have noticed that dealing with children just comes naturally for some. Others...not so much. I think that's just the way it is.
Ida

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

3 posted 2008-04-25 01:49 PM

This is very good, dear Simon, and really entertaining!
The quality number one when staying with children is patience (and I am not very patient either!), I could never ever have been a teacher I fear. I am just getting ready to visit my sweet little grandsons, I hope to be able to be of good company!

Very much enjoyed.
Love,
Margherita

Seoulair
Senior Member

since 2008-03-27

Posts 807
Seoul S.Korea

4 posted 2008-04-25 02:26 PM

Wonderful poem. I love all. And I love the ending....the true sound of a child's heart.

Ah, get dirty, noisy and naughty. Sit on tree, break a window or paint a wall, use "dirty" child language; and wear your most expensive dress shirt and make it a napkin while you eat spaghetti.

Love your poem.

Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural

5 posted 2008-04-25 05:07 PM

Wonderful post simon, Full of poetic insight lol!

ARCTIC WIND

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

6 posted 2008-04-25 05:19 PM

simon, perhaps you could play "Simple Simon" with your nephew! "Simon says, do this!" ~ "Simon says, do that!"

It appears that you missed out on the joys of childhood. Perhaps you can live it again through your nephew. I liked Soulair's idea about getting down and dirty with kids. When I'm playing with children, I'm the biggest kid of all! ~ Both literally and figuratively!

I appreciated the realness of this write and how you share yourself with your readers.

Linda

A Romantic Heart
Member Ascendant

since 1999-09-03

Posts 5496
Forever In Your Heart

7 posted 2008-04-28 04:13 PM

Enjoyed your poem!

You know you're in love, when you can't fall asleep,because reality is finally better than your dream~Dr.Seuss

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-25

Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

8 posted 2008-04-28 04:52 PM

Simon,

This is a cute write.  As an old grand pap, I’ve learned a few things.

1.) Don’t try to be a friend to a kid.  Kids don’t really like grown-ups at all.

2.) Ignore kids as much as possible.

3.) Don’t try to engage them in conversation.

That’s always worked with me.  They’ll love you to bits and pieces.

Remember, you da man.

Bobby

gilead
Senior Member

since 2008-03-10

Posts 1067
nevada, USA

9 posted 2008-04-28 05:48 PM

This is wonderful reading, to which I can relate! I babysit my grandson and nephew, whose combined ages are 5! One is potty trained and the other a work in progress! Old grandpa/uncle has watched more kiddy programs in the last four years than in his whole lifetime, but what a joy!

Art

Larrysmom
Senior Member

since 2008-04-03

Posts 533
Florida, USA

10 posted 2008-04-30 10:03 PM

Simon this poem is FANTASTIC!!!! Had me chuckling out loud…

Tammy<333

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