M - Do not touch

DO NOT TOUCH

My mother's list of 'do not touch' was a long one. Do not touch the
fire, you will burn yourself. Do not touch the knife, you will get a
cut and bleed. Do not touch the keys, you will misplace them. Do not
the touch the flowers in the garden, you will spoil them. Do not touch
those costly glass pieces, you will break them. Do not touch things at
others places you will get a bad name. Do not touch Tommy's tail, he
will bite you. Do not touch the stray cat that comes to steal the fish,
it will scratch you. Do not touch anything with your dirty hands. Do
not touch anything near the sign of a skull with two crossed bones for
you will get a shock. This short phrase, 'do not touch' this and that
was very elastic for Mom.

Grandma's list of 'do not touch' was a smaller one. Do not touch my
god's in the puja room, they are sacred. Do not enter the puja room
without taking your bath. Do not touch the pickles in the jar with your
hand, for mould will grow. Do not touch my paan (betel) box, it is not
meant for you.

Dad's list of 'do not touch' was smaller still. Do not touch my car, I
don't like it. Do not touch my wallet, because it is dear to me.

Grandpa was the best. He had no list of 'do not touch'.

But now my children say, "Mom we are fed up with your ever growing list
of 'do not touch'".