I last felt grown up about two years ago I was 5ft. 10in then I’m only 5ft 9in now.
Seriously the first I felt like a true adult was my wedding to my lovely Ann, I was able to relate and mingle with the guests in a way I hadn’t been able to before or since.
The second time I felt grown up bizarrely was the three weeks I was in hospital being treated for my burns. I had no problem at all copping with the pain, discomfort, and the potential embarrassment of not being able to wash or shave myself, or even go to the toilet properly. What got me through was a maturity that I had only experienced that once before.
I have difficult dealing with our recent burglary, when I mention it to people a common response is “They should cut off their hands” I don’t want to feel that way, and most of the time I don’t, so I wrote the following to help me cope.

The Spoiled Brat.

He sits on the floor and he screams and screams, at the end of the isle near the baked beans. His mother can’t cope with him and five others, just like thousands of other single mothers.

He goes to the nursery with other children to play, he’s taken the toys from six others today. He leaves them all bawling and crying their eyes out, The teacher calls his mother to come take him out.

He’s in proper school now, the kids all afeared, he’s the play ground bully not properly reared. He threatens and cajoles as he takes the other kids money, they dare not tell their parents, it wouldn’t be funny.  

He progresses through school to the later years, but he’s usually on street corners drinking bottled beers. There’s quite a group now, all misfits and vandals, roaming the streets trying car door handles.

One says to the other try this bro, it’s much better than that beer you know. They all sit laughing and talking in squeaky voices, they soon find out there’s more serious choices.

School has finished no chance of a job, he’s fallen through the net, some call him a yob. Nicking cars is fun, but it doesn’t buy him dope, it’s a downward spiral now not a prayer a hope.

Mugging and burglary now for this lost soul. Down and down he slides on that slippery pole. A cause of fear, a cause of terror, all because of societies error.

Wait though, he’s arrived at a place he can learn, people there his respect they can earn, no more petty crime like the nicking of cars, it’s surprising what one can learn, when put behind bars.

See also “Rowdy Lout” on a similar theme.

I’m hoping my humour will return soon, that was stolen also you see.

All words Meadowhead Bard.