Inspired by and Dedicated to Hannah – I wonder why?
I am a dancers Mum
And a dressmaker by trade
I do something I enjoy
Ocassionally even get paid
My customers are all happy
They write a thank you letter
And each and every dress I make
Well they just get better and better
So can you tell me why it is
That fear can strike me down
The minute my lovely daughter says
“Oh Mum I need a new gown”
“I’ve really got to have one”
“I need it in a thrice”
“This old one is no good now”
“I’ve worn it at least twice”
Ok my dearest daughter
Just tell me what you’d like
Said whilst gritting my teeth
In a grip just like a vice
“Oh I don’t know”
“I’m too busy now to think”
“Instead I’ll leave it up to you”
“But I definitely don’t want pink”
“I’d like a nice deep cleavage”
“And you need to enhance my figure”
“Accentuate my hips somewhat”
“But don’t make my bum look bigger”
“I don’t want frills or tassels”
“It can’t be too short or too long”
“I’m really not being that fussy”
“Just make sure you don’t get it wrong”
That shouldn’t be too difficult
The impossible I can manage
To perform a miracle somehow
Just might be more of a challenge
So to my trusty sewing machine
Muttering a prayer for luck
Buried under yards of fabric
To nip and pin and tuck
At the very first fitting
I wait with bated breath
For the initial verdict
And the likely kiss of death
“Let this bit out, Take this bit in”
“Move that bit over there”
“Shorten this just half an inch”
“Oh and give the skirt more flare”
“I don’t think I want sleeves now”
“This strap is loose, that one is tight”
“And the bra cups look a little wonky”
“Apart from that I suppose it’s alright”
“But then what about the colour”
“I don’t think I could bear”
“If anyone should think”
“That it clashes with my hair”
“It will need lots and lots of sparkle”
“About 10,000 rhinestones should stand”
“On second thoughts I’d prefer sequins”
“Then you can sew each one on by hand”
Of course dear, why not
I’m very happy to do all that
After all I have nothing better to do
Apart from sit and fondle the cat
So at last it is all finished
This dazzling creation of mine
I can’t feel my fingers nor lift my arms
And I am very nearly blind
This story now is nearing the end
And I bet you all want to know
What she thought of the end result
Of the dress that I did sew
Well if you see her wearing it
You will know that she was glad
If not you will be unable to miss
DRESS FOR SALE in an ad
Why oh why do I do this
Once, then again and some more
Well I have to admit to a sense of pride
When she looks absolutely stunning on the floor
Elaine - 2006
