Unfair Trade (Poetry)

I planned to go to Africa
the timing wasn’t great
I found a baby on its way
it seemed the hand of Fate

I had a choice of course I did
I didn’t have to stay
I could have skipped on playing mum
and gone on holiday

But giddy with emotion’s high
I thought I’d keep the kid
and globetrot at some later stage
so that is what I did

I spent the money on a crib
and all those baby needs
embracing single parenthood
wherever that road leads ...

I thought the deal was pretty fair
my conscience told me so
the kid grew up and slung its hook
no guarantee on show

I’d hoped to go to Africa
but youth’s brave plans fall through
now I am old and out of time
the dream will have to do