Shoulder Taxi (written along time ago)

Shoulder Taxi

I used to take a shoulder taxi everywhere I’d go
It’s the only way to travel for a toddler don’t you know

Atop my father’s shoulders I was taller than a tree
I could see everyone below & everyone could see me

He’d have to duck through doorways and I would crouch down low
My hands around his forehead, back arched like a bow

In shops I’d see the higher shelves toddlers rarely get to see
But not allowed to touch a thing, Dad would not let me

If I wanted an ice cream it was time for me to get down
No eating on the taxi and this would make me frown

When travelling on dad’s shoulders Mum did worry so
Telling me to hold on tight or fall backwards I might go

With confidence I sat up straight barely holding on at all
Dad was a great taxi and he’d never let me fall

Alas I grew too big, no more shoulder rides for me
But when I have kids of my own I know where they’re gonna be!

© NIEH The Keynsham Poet – September 2014