Mary
Said my Father, “Pretty? Yes
But the money she’ll possess
Does not seem to me enough
To outweigh a bit of fluff
For she’s that, is Mary!”
Said my Mother, “She’s a child
Still undisciplined and wild
Do not let a charming face
Handicap you for life’s race
Think no more of Mary”
“When you are not here to see
Oh, she flirts outrageously!”
Said my rival, lying clown
So I promptly knocked him down
All because of Mary.
Mary shining at the ball
Seemed to justify them all
Beautiful exceedingly
Like a wicked child was she
“Fie”, said they, “on Mary!”
Says my Father, “Might do worse
Since she’s gone to be a nurse
Much of use she will be taught
There’s more in her than we thought
Better stick to Mary”
Says my Mother, “There’s no doubt
That the war is bringing out
All the best in everyone
Which is what you saw, my son
All the time in Mary”
Says my rival, “who could guess
Cap and apron and print dress
So would change a pretty girl
Why, she’s almost plain!” Base churl
Never fairer – Mary
Ball room Queen or VAD
It is all the same to me
Pitying eyes or laughing lips
Woman to her finger tips
Then and now, my Mary!
