A reflection on the Commercialisation of Motherhood – written in 1986.

I suppose it was back in primeval days that womankind was honoured for such qualities as tenderness and grace.
It could only have been most primitive man who would have found wonder in devotion and a compassionate face.
Now, in these more modern days a questing man would focus his earnest and most tender gaze, deep into his woman’s …… Kitchen Cupboards!!
For therein, if I perceive the matter well, are the clues that her greatest virtues tell. How do I love thee, let me count the ways.
With Palmolive hands, Colgate smile and non-irritant fly-sprays.
Your choice of bread and how it’s spread, the soap you make me use,
My breakfast treats, and midday sweets! I love the things you choose! And how to tell a perfect mum is these days simple too.
Just watch the things she does and what she buys for you. 
When faced with clothes in filthy piles she breaks into her broadest smiles.
For washing doesn’t make mum drab – she tackles it with Preen and Fab! Good on ya mum, you’re ridgy-didge,
with frozen wonders in the fridge. 
Grace and charm and love are SLOP!
We know you’re great by the way you SHOP! (for those who remember ….
If my thoughts seem just a little harsh…
Know dear, I’d rather you, than Madge or Mrs Marsh!)

Tags: commercialism, grace, love, modern times, motherhood, whimsy, women