THE LIFE THAT KATE LIVES

Here is Kate, all haggard and worn,
Hung over now – she’s danced til dawn –
Bleary eyed and all forlorn,
Wondering why she was ever born:
Waking her kids in the early morn,
She lights the fire – there’s logs to be sawn –
Pours milk into coffee and flakes of corn;
Plaiting Clare’s hair, she stifles a yawn,
Mends Kevin’s jeans cos the knee’s all torn –
And Francis’ homework’s “lorst and gorn”…
They’re into the car, (she leans on the horn) 
Down the hill (with aching legs)
to catch the bus (and an aching head)
to get them to school (she’s longing for bed)
to give her time
to earn the bread
that buys the bustle
that gives her breath
to sing the life that Kate lives.