ONE IS A VERY IMPORTANT CROWD
                                                                                                                by Aline Olson 1975

I am Grandma Olson--look very hard at me--now tell me in a hurry, how many people do you see?

Only one? Let's think a bit and I will tell you true. How many people I can see when I look at you!!!

First, you're a very handsome boy which makes you your parent's son. So now we know of a surety that at least you're one!

But you are Lisa's brother--son and brother makes you two, and since mother's brother is "Uncle Leon" that makes you three - his nephew!!

Still, to Uncle Leon's children you are cousin--I declare!!  That makes four people with me in my rocking chair.

And Grandpa's always bragging that you're his grandson. And sakes alive! That makes you five--and you thought you were one.

But to Grandpa Olson's mother you are great as well as grand - so we'll have to count that one on your other hand.

Son, grandson, great grandson, brother, nephew, cousin--now instead of being one you're being half a dozen.

When you grow up and fall in love you'll be a husband (seven)--with a wonderful wife and happy life, that will be your earthly heaven.

Then you'll become a son-in-law to the parents of your wife--and a brother-in-law to her siblings, which makes you nine--and that's just fine.

Then you'll have a child of your own and that will make you ten--because, of course, you'll be the one who's the proud father then.

And Lisa will have children - and their uncle you will be, and that will make you eleven--my goodness gracious me!

And your children will grow up and marry, then you'll be a baker's dozen. Father-in-law and grandfather--(and we won't even count second cousin).

From then on you'll come sliding in with accolades in hand, your children's children will have sons (children) --you'll be father great--and--grand. . .

So you see my wonderful little one--you're a very important crowd, and you'd better decide while you are young - what will or will not be allowed--

For there's one thing you can count on - all the good and bad that is done, will in the future affect your whole crowd--for no one is just one.  But let's just sit and rest a spell and I will hold you tightly, and be glad that you're still few enough that I can kiss you nightly.