The Generation Game

Laugh and smile
When the family’s come to stay
I sit and wait
For my chance to slip away

I hate the stupid chatter
Old to young, all the awkward things
Selfish I know, but the only good
Are the presents each one brings

The oldest trying to level
With the youngest one of all
The oldest being wise
The youngest thinking they’re a fool

Back and forth
Uneasy conversation just for the sake
Of that we’re bound my blood
Am I the only one who sees it’s fake?

When I was younger
I could just run out and play
But I’m a grown up now
So I have to stay

I don’t know if they realize
Or are remotely aware
That I know they’re nasty secrets
How they treated Mom … so unfair

And yet I sit wishing to be elsewhere
Looking at my Nan, knowing the truth
And here we all sit, falsely smiling
Under this one roof

And I’m sick and tired of the wisdom
Which is based on a century ago
This stupid hypocritical generation game
Being told things, I don’t want to know.

© Copyright Sharon Ardern 2005