A teenage
girl’s mother
(Lychandra at 13)
What can I tell you about boys?
Can I tell you that they are honourable?
Can I tell you that they are loyal?
Can I tell you that all their words are true?
What can I tell you about boys?
When I look back at my own experience
And wish I had nothing to look back upon
What can I tell you about boys?
What I can tell you about boys
Is that they have grown up pretty much like you
But then there is what other girls say
And then there is what other boys say
What can I tell you about boys?
Not much more than I can tell you about girls
Not much more than I can tell you about anyone
What can I tell you about people in general?
I can tell you that if you like someone
And they make you feel good inside
Then I am happy for you
That you have found someone good to be with.
“Being at home can be fun, insulating, relaxed, boring or isolating ... depending on how the day is going.”*
School holidays are almost over in my part of the world – six long weeks of noise and squabbling balanced by hot, lazy days at the beach or the pool with lots of daring exploits and laughter. Many of our days were spent at home, basking in simple pleasures like baking, playing games or outdoor pursuits – trying to relax the everyday routines of school-morning bustle and ‘having to be somewhere on time’. However pleasant, I must admit to being relieved that life gets back to normal next week, and I can reclaim some of my own time for writing again!
* From Being Mummy by Anne‑marie Taplin published April 2007