Rose of Tralee by Carol Griffin
Every year in Tralee Ireland there is a Rose of Tralee competition. Part beauty and part talent contest it happens annually in August. My prayer:
I want to be one of the Roses
I want to dance on the stage
I may be rather large dear
And I may be over the age
I’m sure they’ll ignore my zimmer
I’m sure my teeth won’t drop out
I’ll tell my friends in the audience
When I come on stage they must shout.
My bottom may have sagged dear
And wrinkles have covered my face
But I know I’ve got a chance now
I’ll put the young in their place
I’m waiting all week for a letter
To tell me I am the one
I know I’m the one for Tralee now
I’m sure my time has come.
My middle is encased in concrete
My backside has really gone south
But I’m certain I’ve got what it takes dear
So I’m not down in the mouth
So I’ll await the letter
I can’t thank them enough
When I’m chosen to act out
I really will strut my stuff
I want to be one of the roses
My friends say I have no chance
But I believe in myself dear
I also believe in romance
I may be a geriatric
I may not see 80 again
But if I’m one of the roses
My living has not been in vain
© Carol Griffin