Millicent

Millicent Portia Ponsonby-Smyth Could speak fluent French by the time she was five. By the age of just eight she was top of her class, There wasn’t a test that she couldn’t pass. English and maths she coped with just fine And quantum mechanics she’d mastered by nine. Her parents were proud, but a little concerned That she’d never have fun if she stayed in to learn. Her father said, “Millicent go out and play.” “But father I’m reading so here I shall stay.” “Being so clever is great there’s no doubt, But once in a while you need to get out.” She said, ”Pater, please listen I’m happy to study, And if I go out there’s a chance I’ll get muddy.” That very night she was taken off guard, She discovered a sum that was simply too hard. She stomped round her room in utter frustration, She just couldn’t do this quadratic equation. Gnashing her teeth and tearing her hair She kicked out in temper at her teddy bear. It flew through the air and bounced off the wall, So she kicked it again before it could fall. It bounced off her head and then off her knee And suddenly Millicent giggled with glee. She continued all night to kick it around. For hours she kept it from touching the ground. In the following weeks she practiced some more And saved all the money she earnt from her chores. She went to the shop, bought a ball and some boots, And learnt how to dribble and learnt how to shoot. Every day after school she went to the park And practiced her football until it was dark. She continued to study the books and the sport And paid close attention to all she was taught. 13 years later Miss Smyth is delighted She’s the first girl in history to play for United.