I Told a Lie

I told a lie in school today
cos everyone had gone away
but Mum had work, so Nan had us.
We only travelled on a bus.

The other kids took ferries, trains,
camper vans and aeroplanes.
They went to Paris, Pakistan,
Ireland and the Isle of Man.

They stayed in cottages and tents,
or posh hotels – spared no expense.
They saw the sights; they swam in lakes.
In cafes, ate delicious cakes.

When it was my turn to speak,
I felt a flush rise in my cheeks.
It seemed like they’d all had a ball,
while I had not done much at all.

So out it came – a big fat lie,
and all while I tried not to cry.
I made up places that I’d been.
I said I’d gone by submarine!

I told them things I saw and ate,
I even told them times and dates!
I knew they knew it wasn’t true
but once I started, it just grew!

Exotic foods, and mountains high,
jungle treks and deserts dry,
pony rides and castle tours,
picnicking on windy moors.

I made it up, but all I said
were things I learned from books I’d read.
The thing is, that a book can be
the only way to travel, see?