A hustling, bustling, fussing, muscling in,

over-sociable, dynamic, matchmaking lady,

so many plans, schemes and 'suggestions' hers.

I think now sincerely meant for the best.

Problem was her best was usually my worst,

and my awful was usually her wonderful.

'You must meet such lovely children,

we're having tea with them tomorrow,'

inevitably mortal enemies even before set eyes on!

Later, her hopefully produced 'nice young men'

potential rapists, con-men, or just plain boring.

In fact, two of her absolute paragons

saw jail in later life, so I heard.

Sadly, she having departed by then,

I could never have this out with her.

But her many manipulations all forgiven,

recalling when she met me, small child,

at the station, sitting on a porter's trolley,

a bottle of lemonade in one hand,

and a bag of cherries in the other,

fully aware both were greatly desired,

but totally taboo at home!

'