Cold next to boney limbs,
The iron bed creaking
Beneath a wooden
Slatted ceiling.
You’ll keep your father
Away from me,
The Last thing I need is
Another child to ignore.

Hair curled around fingers,
Then brought next door to
Be shown to the visitors
From the city.
Isn’t
She
Only
Gorgeous?

Playing the piano
With a far-away look,
Just like Mrs. Darling,
Until disturbed by a shout:
What’s that noise?
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Will you stop with
The feckin’ noise?

Slip into the kitchen
To watch the men
Playing cards
Through Woodbine smoke.
Here’s a few pence.
Go and buy yourself
Some sweets,
Like a good girl.

Down to pick flowers
In Darling’s field,
Slammed against a mossy
Bank, dress pulled up.
Just a little feel,
No harm done.
Here’s a tenner,
Don’t tell your Mammy.

Back up the lane
To the house,
Coins jingling
In a dress pocket.
You’re back are you?
Where did you get
All the money from?
Here I’ll mind it for you.

Warm, in your own
Room tonight, hearing
The iron bed creaking
With their weight.
Go easy, Joe,
You’ll wake her up,
She’s not long gone
To bed, you know.