Don'T Go Near the River

Don’t go near the river a tree has fallen down The flow is blocked and it caused a dam if you fall in you could drown But to us children this an invitation was A big happening in our lives we had to see the cause Of course we would not climb down to the tree From high upon the bank we would satisfy our curiosity Down Milfort Avenue we all trouped The excitement mounting with-in our group The boys were there first of course Down at the roots torn from the ground with such force You girls they shouted stay away it was their find Just go home play with your dolls and leave our tree behind Well did you ever hear such rot We will soon show that lot Mother’s warning soon forgot down we went to the spot Those roots from up high did not seem so tall But now down beside them we were made to feel small Like gaint arms they were all slimy and wet But we girls would conquer this climb you bet I never was brave and from the start My legs were shaking and in my heart I knew I should back down and risk being the fool But pride would not let me so I tried to act cool The others had climbed over and to the far side had gone Knowing I was frightened they egged me on Up I went onto that tree trunk Looking down to the river below my heart sunk What would I do if I fell in I had never learned to swim Well it happened and into water I fell for my sins Plunged to the bottom then up I floated gasping for air Again the depths called the water my death would share With bravery someone dived in to save me from my watery grave Trailed to the bank and with the water pumped out my life was saved A neighbor heard the commotion and running came Then into her house to recover my legs some strength to gain For the walk back home to face Mum my misbehavior to declare I really was a sorry sight but I did not care Jumper and tartan skirt soggy the red dye running down my thighs Perhaps she would think it was blood I had better start to cry Water filled the fur lined leather boots which slopped and weighed a ton My dad had worked for hours to pay for them and look what had I done So sorry I was for myself but punishment I had to accept My friends there with me for support they stayed and yet When Mum’s face through that front door appeared They drifted away the blame they feared In I was hauled and asked to explain Why I had ignored her orders given so plain