IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT BREAK YOU

[Maureen K Clifford]

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT BREAK YOU.





There’s long distance guests for dinner coming in from interstate
so we’ll need to get out early, do the shopping, can’t be late.
Think I’ll make a nice Pavlova for we’ve a surplus of eggs
and with fresh picked cherries on the top for more I bet they’ll beg.

Stop standing there, there’s work to do, the kettles on the hob.
I’ll just make us a fresh brew before we start the job.
The market place is where we’ll go, it’s only down the street
though nobodies speaking softly, their prices are hard to beat.

him

We might have to push start the car, the battery is flat
and there’s not enough air in the tyres, they're not looking real fat,
The tail light hasn’t been replaced yet, that’s a job unfinished.
Oh!!! I see that in your estimation I am now somewhat diminished.

her

It’s not enough that I moved here with you – I was enchanted
twenty years ago, but now my god those feelings have departed.
Everything out here is broken, though you keep saying you’ll fix it.
Keep it up Mate and I promise there’ll be poison in your biscuit.

Nobody comes to visit us because you’re always drunk.
You never bathe, you never shave, you smell just like a skunk,
and this is me you’re talking to my fine Killarney lad
I’ve none to blame but myself – should have listened to my Dad.

Well perhaps there is enough here in the pantry to make do.
There’s fresh made bread and eggs and cheese, enough meat for a stew.
So go and milk the cow Jack – do you think you can do that?
Or is she broken as well Mate? Her young calf is looking fat.

him

Oh stop your whinge and blathering - you ‘d drive a man to drink
and be careful in the kitchen there’s a blockage in the sink.
There’s no need to be worrying that you’ll be short of grub
for the visitors – I won’t be here – I’m going to the pub.

Maureen Clifford © 03/11