[Mairi]

As a child and well into adulthood I have written quite a few poems but they have all been either funny ones about things that have amused me or silly ones (mainly about creepy crawlies!!) for my children when they were young.

Inspired by both Rob and BusyBee's recent sterling efforts, I decided to try my hand this afternoon at a sad one just for a change.

I actually got the idea for the poem from the title of David's new single due out in January. Anyway, here it is and I hope some of you, at least, like it.

I keep our home so neat and clean
I knit and sew and darn your socks
And listen when you’ve had a bad day
I run your bath and wash your back
I am always right beside you
To hug you, kiss you, say “I love you”

You never leave a love note for me
Or send a special text or email
You never think to bring me flowers
You never take me for a meal
Or surprise me with a phone call
Or hug me, kiss me, say you love me

I cheer you up when you are down
And care for you when you are sick
I laugh at all your silly jokes
And worry when you stay out late
I raise our daughters, cook your meals
I hug you, kiss you, say “I love you”

Why are you never there for me?
Why don’t you notice when I’m blue?
Why don’t you smile and call me “dear”
Or say “you’re looking nice today”
Or send a special birthday card
Or hug me, kiss me, say you love me?

I have my precious girls to think of
Would they blame me if I left you?
What is the braver thing to do?
Would I be lonelier without you?
Should I just smile through my pain
And hug you, kiss you, say “I love you”?