Being Brenda

IMAGINARY GARDEN

http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2011/10/word-with-laurie.html
suggests we write about our own name.


BEING BRENDA

Brenda...... a name that labels me

As someone approaching senility!

Along with Pamela and Gwen

I personify the way-back-when.

Gladys and Hazel are also fated

To be considered old and dated.
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My mother's name was Ethel May;

Names we don't hear at all today.

Her sisters were Mabel and Violet;

They were part of the 1900 set.
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My name was a 1930's Wow;
But it isn't heard too often now.
Except that the illustration shows
A Brenda everybody knows.......
(All except me; the name was new
Until this shot came into view!)
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 I'm intrigued by how Pat and Vera
Signify a certain era.
Chelsea and Taylor no doubt await
A similar chronological fate.
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I've never really minded 'Brenda';
(It's Brendan in a different gender)
It means 'sword', or so I'm told;
So it doesn't suit me; I'm not too bold.
It was just a name, not good, not bad,
Decided upon by Mum and Dad.
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But I married a 'Bryant' and then my name
Became one I was proud to claim.
Six letters in both ! How very neat!
And two 'Br's to make the match complete!
Brenda Bryant;
You must admit
That these two names appear to fit.
Had I married a Mr Smith or Small
I wouldn't have liked my name at all!
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HAVE A NICE ONE!

Normally, I am polite,

Saying what I think is right.

When the check-out girl says 'Have a nice day!'

I respond in time-honoured way.

'You, too, dear' I tend to mumble,

Being all abject and humble.

Pretending that I can't see through

The little ruse she's addicted to!

'Make them think you care' They say,

The Bosses, directing this little play.

Sadly, we caught it from the Yanks!

Now hairdressers and shops and banks

Are parroting in the same old way

'Mind how you go, love! Have a nice day!

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Tomorrow I'm planning to rebel,

I'm popping right out of my shell!

As soon as I hear the awful phrase

My lungs I'll fill, my voice I'll raise,

And everybody standing by

Will hear my revolutionary cry!

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"You wouldn't care if I dropped down dead!

Those are stupid words you've said!

You've ruined my day, if you must know,

I came in here feeling all aglow,

Full of genial bonhomie!

Now, my lady, look at me!

I'm stressed and fretful, full of bile!

I feel like wrecking a shopping aisle!

I feel like lifting you off your feet

And throwing you out into the street!

I'd like to go home to a cup of tea

And a couple of biscuits, maybe three,

But because of the state you've put me in

I'm going home to a bottle of gin!

Then I'll get a headache: I always do!

And, sweetheart, that's because of YOU!

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Your words have made me lose the plot!

Will I have a nice day? 

 I will NOT!

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