‘I wish I could’ve lived in those simpler times’

Up in the sitting room

carved with a chisel

and a little soul

cheeky girl too full

of ideas and dreams

caught up in a corset

too tight for breath

for thought

for damning breasts

'Hey now girl,

mind your place'

simpler times.

Up in the stable

tied to an old post

rough hemp

rough hands and a

lash to dash away

the rebellious I wont’s

I cant’s

wipe away the ‘I’

'Hey now, slave,

mind your place'

simpler times.

Up in the office

mouthful of vinegar

hide hot from belt

and belittling

father dear had to

beat out the queer

kill off the tears

learn him to be

a real man

'Hey now, boy,

mind your place'

simpler times.