Let's Play

If I’d had a baby brother
I’d have cooed over him and asked to hold him,
So people would notice what a good girl I was.
I’d have laughed when he burped
And held my nose when Mum changed him
And gone outside to play instead.
He’d have held my finger
And chuckled when he played ‘peep-o’
And I’d have cuddled him when he cried.

If I’d had a little brother
He’d have come home plastered in mud
Or run whooping around the house
And I’d have whined: “Tell him, Mum!”
When she was busy, I’d have scrubbed his neck
And he’d yell: “Ger’off!”
But I’d have laughed, ’cos I was bigger.

But then he’d have grown -
A foot taller than me - and he’d have played rugby,
And boyfriends would have known
They’d have him to deal with if they stood me up.

Now, he’d be middled-aged, like me.
We’d meet at Christmas and our children’s weddings.
We’d hug, and he’d go: “Ger’off!”
“Tell him, Mum,” I’d say.
Our kids would shake their heads,
Say: “Play nicely now, or else we’ll take your toys away.”
If I’d had a baby brother.

Previously published in Quantum Leap