The Leopard Skin Coat

There was a lady always wore red
from top to toes
when I was a little girl
she would bind cuffs and necks
with fur on all my clothes

I couldn't stand the way
her good figure stood out
with a belt around the waist
and high heels at the bus stop!

I would see bless her heart
if later in life going out to work
I nearly froze.

Now red is all the fashion
highest heels so beautiful
to totter in
brightest colours ever seen

True a big family we lost her
few years ago.

One day after the difficult funeral
My Priest did take and even phoned
morning of terrible day all was well
families can be a problem

Rows and struggles
what are possessions big
or small when families
can over rule you being
next to eldest out the six

Never mind the old jewellery box
went around and round family in towns
two were busy saying what I may take
what a bloody cheek as they lifted
the lid of the jewellery box
at the Haywards Heath Nursing Home
mum hadn't had funeral then!

I was offered when dropped me of
not likely I already had the
last laugh! and taken 2 brooches out
from the jewellery box
I think mum in coma state then

If only she could have opened her eyes
and seen the love friend's
prayers+ and relations
biggest heart with mum
on in gorgeous flowers

she say don't spend all that money
on me I only wanted a bunch of
Violet's

I was by a charity shop
and there low and behold!
in the window was a leopard skin coat

I was drawn -in
it was heavy and thick
had to feel the blessed! thing
blow me it was the double she used to wear
so I cuddled it to me like a bear

What! is the fashion this year!
leopard skin and tiger skin
little cuddly coats everywhere!

But I don't think I'd ever buy one
It would remind me of my dear mother

Oh! she had a temper alright
Confidence always there
What a life she had
walked out after 30 years
of course wasn't alone!

But sit at their bedsides
hold their hand sing them a song
"Love is the sweetest thing"

No holidays or food
Illnessess polio not heard
three of us got then

Camp school I once went
everything she tackled
in her days!
but made us all appreciate

but at hospital bed
The Dr said do you know who's
come to see you after
1st broken hip at home

No! she said Ive never seen
her in my life'
I was static with shock'
on the bus alone

I kept saying 'mum never
knew me 'mum never knew me
but no one cared.

All six children we loved her
she loved us and told me like wise
in the nursing home
she broke another hip there
fell of the commode flip'

They wheeled her in her chair
she looked radiant permed grey' hair

but to have her here!
Sing and dance show her all the
shop wonders'

To be accepted to be
with the young and old she loved
to join in all the fun!
she would be elated
the mother who had nothing

These little leopard coats
boleros to haunt me everywhere
It's just as if she is saying!
Go on buy one I dare !you
So always get your mum
what she wants give her choice
to choose

when there memories go
they love to reminisce
of things gone by.
I once was her carer
then two more oh!the
trouble it caused

But she made our daughter's
wedding at Royal Pavilion
in her big straw hat
couple she took in put all
huge flowers in and wonderful
day beautiful bride

she took her nan to the room
and lovely photo sitting on
the bed holding her hand

as the sea-view and pier
just grand

her biggest thrill when
she was eighty a party
we all did hubby let me
go in fancy dress
'Miss Piggy I thought ok
mask one couldn't breathe!

So changed it for a ball gown
to hire for me and a wig and parasol
I felt like a Queen'

Got to the party could we come in
she didn't know who it was
Daughter and her hubby giggled!
to walk along the road with us

I slipped out room and ball gown to
as it was elasticated and called mum
popped her in it she looked a dream
her face lit up the room!

Then photoed as she posed
then it had to go back again
It was like "Alice's Blue gown"
Regency style High neck lacey bodice
Adoring flared lace from cuffs of sleeves
with a gold flow material dress flowing
to the ground.

we all worked hard for doing her party then
but if only I could have her back again.
If only she was here I'd get her tea
and let her chatter away and rest in between.

Sometimes we don't say do or help
as we should the mum who brought us
into the world

So spoil her rotten while you can.
Now she is in paradise R.I.P.
The angel's will give her everything she needs.xx