My mum would like today to be a happy one Unfortunately she can not be here right now I’d like to say it is because she is too busy walking with friends Watching documentaries and ignoring the phone Or maybe she’s just tied up with work Organising events, inspiring children, helping colleagues I wish my mum were in her flat Making it look beautiful Cleaning, cooking, writing poetry on her fridge, I wish my mum was busy answering the email I sent her last week, I wish she was shouting at her computer Frustrated by the constant ringing of her mobile phone I wish my mum were busy doing battle with the council. Arguing with BT customer service representatives I’d like her to be having a barbecue on her balcony, Too many people squashed into her kitchen I’d like it not to matter cos the food is too nice and the company too good I wish my mum were busy finding somewhere she could ride horses Organising parties for those she loves Planning trips to Canada Dyeing her hair a slightly different shade of red I wish she could not be here because she is Too busy being a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear I’d like her to be listening to music I wish my mum were playing cards with my daughters Beating them this time like she promised she would do I wish she were riding pillion on someone’s motorbike Going far too fast I wish I could disapprove and tell her she should take up knitting I wish my mum were visiting her mother Or sanding skirting boards, growing avocados from seeds Or dying things black My mum unfortunately can not be here right now but My mum would like today to be a happy one.