What is the matter with Mary Jane?

The last podcast, about the word “matter”, reminded me of a poem by A A Milne. A A Milne was an author who published books for children in the 1920s and 1930s. He wrote the stories about Pooh Bear, which have been translated into many languages and made into a Disney film. He also wrote poetry for children. It is innocent stuff, from an age before television and computer games.

This poem is about a small girl called Mary Jane. She is having a tantrum, because there is rice pudding for dinner and she doesn’t like rice pudding. Rice pudding is a dessert made by baking rice with sweetened milk. There is a link to a recipe for rice pudding on the website, if you want to try making it. Personally, I agree with Mary Jane. Here is the poem.

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
She’s crying with all her might and main,
And she won’t eat her dinner – rice pudding again.
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?

I’ve promised her dolls and a daisy-chain,
And a book about animals – all in vain.
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?

She’s perfectly well, and she hasn’t a pain;
But, look at her, now she’s beginning again!
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?

I’ve promised her sweets and a ride in the train,
And I’ve begged her to stop for a bit and explain.
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?

She’s perfectly well and she hasn’t a pain,
And it’s lovely rice pudding for dinner again!
What is the matter with Mary Jane?