There is a reason and story behind this but it is disguised here in a tale. One of those that is as old as time I am sure.
Barely Bitter Betty Buttercup
Sent to work for Farmer Barleymow
Her mother made a show.
Betty was earning a honest day’s pay.
Back when she didn’t have much to say.
The farmer’s first wife died of consumption.
In hindsight locals had a presumption;
Barleymow’s eagerness to produce an heir.
Earned Betty many a misguided stare.
She worked hard, hands coarse and raw.
Milking cows and scattering straw.
Seasons came and went.
Only an inkling of her mother’s intent.
Farmer Barleymow now modestly wealthy.
A bank balance increasingly healthy.
Took on an eager young housekeeper.
The confident dimpled Daisy Heaper.
After regular tumbles in the hay shed,
Soon the farmer and Daisy were wed.
Betty’s mother called her a hesitant fool.
Glad to leave, Betty got a job in the local school.
She met Bertie Buttercup who did the milk round.
A loveable bloke calm and sound.
Like other families in their street.
They sometimes struggled to make ends meet.
Whereas Daisy inherited farm and land.
Locally she had the upper hand.
Betty learned contentment keeps a family strong,
Her sons did more right than wrong.
Bert and her tend the garden, walk the dog.
Life’s no longer a daily slog.
Local rumours are bandied about.
Of Barleymow family fallings out.
Daisy bit off more than she could chew.
And Betty now knew.
She need rarely be barely bitter Betty Buttercup.