punk – Neil Heath

I’m Madeline and this story is about my two nans.

Normal Nan is always busy and together we like to bake,

In the afternoons she’ll attack the garden with her metal rake.

Normal Nan likes to share some stories, she has plenty in her locker,

But my other nan is different… She’s a punk rocker!

Punk Nan has a pink mohawk and wears an old leather jacket,

She said it’s pointless buying new clothes, the ones that cost a packet.

Punk Nan love animals and has two cats and a doggy called Iggy,

They say he’s dangerous, but really, he’s just a greedy little piggy.

Punk Nan likes holding hands with her girlfriend Barbara and people tend to snigger,

‘They can laugh all they like,’ said Punk Nan, ‘because being in love makes me feel bigger!’

They both like punk music and listen to bands like Buzzcocks and The Clash,

And when we all feel like rocking out Barbara lets me give her drums a bash.

Kids at school call Punk Nan names and say she smells of wee,

But she wears fruity perfume and only drinks mint tea.

One day it all got too much and I ran away from school,

I was found by Punk Nan near the town’s swimming pool.

‘Why can’t you be like Normal Nan?’ I told her and began to cry.

She told me not to worry and that one day I’d understand why,

‘It’s ok to be different and be who you want to be.

‘Because being honest and true is what’s key,

‘Punk is about standing up for yourself and sticking it to the man,

‘I’m happy being who I am and I’m proud to be your nan.

‘You know, Normal Nan isn’t as ordinary as you think,’

She said, grinning, while giving me a wink,

‘I know she likes baking cakes and is a fan of Mary Berry,

‘But back in the seventies she had blue hair and a boyfriend named Terry!’

‘It’s true!’ said Normal Nan, grinning from ear to ear,

‘I remember those days so fondly they make me shed a tear.

‘I left it all behind because I thought it was all a bit silly,

‘Then I became pregnant with your mum after meeting Grandad Billy.’

I gave her a hug and told her maybe those days don’t belong in the past,

And why didn’t she come and see Punk Nan, we’d all have such a blast!

Kids still call us names and this can be a test,

But now I have two Punk Nans and life is simply the best!