Toffs For Tonight Poem by Mary Champion

They're holding a party
for the servants tonight,
so me and my Bertie
have decked ourselves right.
I won't just be Johnson -
the scullery maid -
the one they look down on,
despised and afraid.

I toil like a slave
for that pittance they pay me.
But tonight he's Lord Albert
and I am his lady.

I work for Lord Snooty
and his wife La-di-dah;
like my father before me
and like my grandpa.
Just the boot-boy's what I am,
I must do as they say,
but if life goes to my plan
I'll be butler some day.

I toil like a slave
for that pittance they pay me.
But tonight I'm Lord Albert
and Sarah's My Lady.

Our finery's faded,
well worn, second hand,
the fashion is dated,
but we feel rather grand.

Yes, we're toffs for tonight,
and no need to remind -
a few hours delight
then it's back to the grind.

They will work us like slaves
till we're worn out and dirty,
but tonight I'm an Empress,
and he's dear Prince Bertie..