Vincent Lees
Midnight Chow Boy
Last Night I dreamed I was in Mandalay
And in my dream, awaiting sleep,
I tried my hand at counting sheep
As one by one they trotted by,
Though some of them did not comply.
Aimlessly they munched the grass
And through the gate refused to pass.
Against my wish, despite my will,
They munched the grass upon the hill.
Over years experience taught
Betimes, of sleep, sheep lead to naught.
Awake, I lie abed and brood
‘Til something turns my mind to food.
Then full awake, eyes open wide
See bacon fried, eggs sunny side
And pots of coffee steaming fresh,
Oh how weak this human flesh
Seduced from sleep, longed for with sighs,
By appetite and belly’s eyes.
So to the kitchen, like a mouse
Creeping quietly through the house.
Don’t clatter frying pan or knives,
Night noise attracts disgruntled wives.
Put the kettle on to boil,
Wet the pan with olive oil.
Bacon rashers, make it two.
Eggs? No, I think just one will do
Aroma rich, tea fresh brewed
Don’t leave the tea bag ’til it’s stewed.
Sandwich made, I calmly sigh
Then eat and drink and by and by
Back up the stairs, don’t make them creak,
Along the landing carefully sneak.
Then disrobe from dressing gown
Get into bed to snuggle down.
In growing warmth feel coming sleep.
Who needs the help of bloody sheep.
Midnight Chow Boy
Last Night I dreamed I was in Mandalay
And in my dream, awaiting sleep,
I tried my hand at counting sheep
As one by one they trotted by,
Though some of them did not comply.
Aimlessly they munched the grass
And through the gate refused to pass.
Against my wish, despite my will,
They munched the grass upon the hill.
Over years experience taught
Betimes, of sleep, sheep lead to naught.
Awake, I lie abed and brood
‘Til something turns my mind to food.
Then full awake, eyes open wide
See bacon fried, eggs sunny side
And pots of coffee steaming fresh,
Oh how weak this human flesh
Seduced from sleep, longed for with sighs,
By appetite and belly’s eyes.
So to the kitchen, like a mouse
Creeping quietly through the house.
Don’t clatter frying pan or knives,
Night noise attracts disgruntled wives.
Put the kettle on to boil,
Wet the pan with olive oil.
Bacon rashers, make it two.
Eggs? No, I think just one will do
Aroma rich, tea fresh brewed
Don’t leave the tea bag ’til it’s stewed.
Sandwich made, I calmly sigh
Then eat and drink and by and by
Back up the stairs, don’t make them creak,
Along the landing carefully sneak.
Then disrobe from dressing gown
Get into bed to snuggle down.
In growing warmth feel coming sleep.
Who needs the help of bloody sheep.