Thursday, January 18, 2007

Poets beware

When the children were small we lived in Southampton, and Daughter and Elder Son attended primary school there. Being that much-maligned, involved sort of mother I volunteered to help produce the school magazine.

One of the features in the magazine was a page about books and one day I had the brilliant idea of asking two of the teachers for their favourite poems, bearing in mind that they were going in the mag and that it was an opportunity (I thought) to bring poetry to children.

This is the 'poem' the reception class teacher, who was also responsible for English teaching in the school, chose:

My mother said,
I never should
Play with the gypsies
In the wood.
If I did,
She would say,
Naughty girl to disobey.

Even now, nearly 20 years later, I am astounded at her choice - for all sorts of reasons.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Harvey has caught on to my wiles.

He has learned that if he stands close enough to the open door I will grab his front legs and put them outside before lifting his back end out to join them. He knows I'm not strong enough to carry him any distance so he stays just that little bit back.

He wants to go out really; I know he does.

9 comments:

Clare said...

I remember that poem - but I don't know the connotations, I have to admit. I can take a guess though...
On a Harvey note, I was looking through the "scotts of Stow" catalogue (one of the free ones that comes through the door, full of "usful things" like magnetic toilet seat covers) and there was a "get your dog out of the car" gadget. Made me think of Harvs, esp as the dog in the picture was a retriever!

Anonymous said...

Whatever happened to "Golliwogs" jam? Also not PC these days I suppose? What a farce.

Liz Hinds said...

The trouble is that Harvey won't even try new things - like the ramp we put out from the back door. He could get in and out easy peasy if he'd just try it but even if we plonk him on it, he steps off to the side!

Apparently it was only in 2001 that Robertsons changed Golly for Roald Dahl characters.

Anna said...

Golliwog jam? Sounds icky. I just wanted to say, I have posted pictures of my chocolate cake finalists on my kitchen blog. And the winning recipe. Try it and put on some weight, so I feel better....

Anonymous said...

How the world has changed. What was acceptable in the recent past is totally "un-PC" now". The school that converted a children's nursery rhyme to "Baa Baa Green Sheep" probably sums it all up.

As for Harv, does "little finger" and "wrap" spring to mind? He is a wonderful character.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Liz. I remember that poem, too but of course it has connotations these days, doesn't it? Ah, give our love to Harvs. Guess what? I have just found all my missing comments! So they are on now. I feel such a technical fool! Love, me and Simi .

Lee said...

Sometimes I need what Harvey needs to go out my door! ;)

Puss-in-Boots said...

I think Harvey has you too well trained! He would rather have your attention and that's one way of getting it - not using the ramp!

Anonymous said...

One has to love Harvey. Hope you made it through the storm yesterday.