(This microfiction of exactly 100 words was the Winner of the People's Prize in Retreat West in March 2022. The prompt that month was the word 'Grow.' When the content migrated to the re-vamped WestWord website last August, the winning stories of previous competitions did not migrate, so it is now available below).
I want to acknowledge copyright of the last line to my wonderful principal in Presentation NS, Terenure, the inimitable Susan Doody, who concluded many staff meetings by giving tongue-in-cheek advice on life to her group of young (and some not so young!) teachers.
If I am Lucky Enough to Grow Old
I'll go to town without an umbrella or a care,
I'll wear my pink spiky hair unfettered, strut into a bar alone and order a stiff whiskey,
however that comes.
I'll stroll home at night through the park with no keys, no whistle, no fear.
Until then
I'll watch my Ps and Qs and get my Double-D cup professionally fitted.
I'll mind my virginity until I find 'the one' and keep my head down like I've been told.
I'll always get a taxi home, text the driver's number to my mother and pin my knickers to my vest.