My Mother [Notes]
[By BON GAULTIER in Tait’s Edinburgh Magazine].
I
Who, when a baby, lank and thin,
I called for pap and made a din,
Lulled me with draughts of British gin?—
My mother.
II
When I’ve been out upon the spree,
And not come home till two or three,
Who was it then would wallop me?—
My mother.
III
Who, when she met a heavy swell, [1]
Would ease him of his wipe so well, [2]
And kiss me not to go and tell?—
My mother.
IV
Who took me from my infant play,
And taught me how to fake away.
And put me up to the time of day?— [3]
My mother.
V
Who’d watch me sleeping in my chair,
And slily to my fob repair, [4]
And leave me not a mopus there?— [5]
My mother.
VI
Who, as beneath her care I grew,
Taught my young mind a thing or two,
Especially the flats to do?— [6]
My mother.
VII
I’m blessed if ever I did see,
So regular a trump as she:
I own my virtues all to thee,—
My mother.
VIII
So hand, my pals, the drink about,
My story and my glass are out,
A bumper, boys, and with me shout—
My mother.
[1: well-dressed man] [2: handkerchief] [3: made me cunning] [4: pocket] [5: penny] [6: stupid ones]