Nineteen

[Wrote this during Covid in a ‘Ring a ring a roses’ frame of mind. Wasn’t sure what archaic rules were in place around the world, so sat on it. Basically… in England, ‘other people’ were ‘death on legs’. This may or may not sound amusing but it’s pretty much how it was… laugh ye not!] ———*——— Keep your grandma distant for theres ‘nineteen’ around If she dies don’t watch somebody put her in the ground If it's short, feel lucky for you may get up and walk If it's long the reaper’s raven may decide to squark Air holes aren't at liberty when it goes here and there Mister, it ain't normal to go breathing everywhere Should you see me coming take a breath and amble on And don’t you dare release it till I’m quite a long way gone Cough cough - too much wheezing Sniff sniff - most displeasing Croak croak - time for bed, Sir Till you’re dead or better Grandma’s in the shadow of the steeple, yeah Grandma’s with the other people resting, there I wonder if they put her in clean underwear I wonder if she wonders if we just don’t care Grandma’s in the shadow of the steeple, yeah I wonder if they took the time to do her hair Maybe I could ask the ones who took her there But they’re not taking visitor’s from anywhere Cough cough - too much wheezing Sniff sniff - most displeasing Croak croak - time for bed, Sir Till you’re dead or better Grandma’s in the shadow of the steeple, yeah Nearby, carers sporting masks and safety wear Cannot stand too close; the law says, ‘Don’t you dare!’ She stands alone to watch them bury grandpa there. Cough cough - too much wheezing Sniff sniff - most displeasing Croak croak - time for bed, Sir Till you’re dead or better