Counting Confusion
“I’m counting on you”, my mum whispered,
But how could she count on me?
I’ve only two arms and legs,
Two ears and eyes, you see?
My teeth are a bigger number,
I do have ten fingers and toes,
But only one mouth to eat with,
And surely, I’ve only one nose!
I know I’ve no more than one tummy!
“I’m counting on you”, my mum said,
Really, it was a mystery to me,
Could she count the hairs on my head?
“I’m counting on you to remember,
Remind me about butter and bread!”
Oh dear, I didn’t remind her,
We’re having dry crackers instead!
But how could she count on me?
I’ve only two arms and legs,
Two ears and eyes, you see?
My teeth are a bigger number,
I do have ten fingers and toes,
But only one mouth to eat with,
And surely, I’ve only one nose!
I know I’ve no more than one tummy!
“I’m counting on you”, my mum said,
Really, it was a mystery to me,
Could she count the hairs on my head?
“I’m counting on you to remember,
Remind me about butter and bread!”
Oh dear, I didn’t remind her,
We’re having dry crackers instead!
This poem is copyright (©) Fiona Halliday 2025

About the Writer
Fiona Halliday
Fiona has enjoyed and written poetry all her life. She has fond memories of family members sharing poems with her from a very early age. Fiona has taught in primary schools, across the age range, for the last twenty years and specialises in literacy. She loves language, learning and laughter. She also likes alliteration! When she isn’t teaching, reading or writing, Fiona enjoys playing the flute, spending time with her family and drinking copious amounts of tea!