WHEN I AM OLD

Then I'll live with my children and bring them great joy
To repay all I've had from each girl and each boy.
I shall draw on the walls and scuff up the floor
Run in and out, and not shut the door.

I'll hide frogs in the pantry, throw socks under my bed
And whenever they scold me, I'll just hang my head.
I'll run and I'll romp. And I'll fritter away
The time meant to be spent doing chores every day

I'll pester my children when they're on the phone
As long as they're busy I won't leave them alone.
I'll hide candy in closets, and rocks in a drawer
And never pick my clothes, up off the floor.

I'll dash off to the movies and not wash a dish
And I'll plead for an allowance whenever I wish.
I'll stuff up the plumbing and deluge the floor
And as soon as they clean it, I'll flood it some more.

When they correct me I'll lay down and cry
Kicking and screaming. Not a tear in my eye.
I'll take all their pencils and flashlights and then,
When they buy new ones I'll do it again.

I'll spill glasses of milk to complete every meal
And I'll eat my banana, and drop all the peel.
I'll put toys on the table, spill jam on the floor
And I'll break lots of dishes, as though I was four.

What fun I shall have. What joy it will be
To live with my children

LIKE THEY LIVED WITH ME!