The Magic Word
“May I go and play?”
Do you know the magic word?
“Is it Sesame?”
No, don’t be so absurd
“Mum, can I go?
I won’t be very late.”
Only if you know the password
can you go beyond that gate
“But all my friends are waiting
I haven’t time for games”
Do you know the magic word?
“No, I don’t know of any names.”
Well then you stay at home
“Oh Mum, I promised I’d be on my way”
Then say the magic word
or inside you’ll have to stay
“Mum, I have to go
I promised I’d first meet Kate”
“P-L-E-A-S-E Mum”
Yes, now go before you’re late.
© Helen Ross
First published in Helen’s poetry collection, Bubble Gum Trouble and Other Giggle Poems published by Little Steps Publishing (Division of New Frontier) 2009.
Australian Children’s Poetry 
Ah, the old magic word… I so enjoy these daily poems!
Lovely poem and I’d love a dollar for every time I asked my kids when they were young and the hundreds of children I worked with in children’s services ‘what’s the magic word?’
Clever Helen,
How often do parents look for that magic word. Great rhyme & rhythm. Poetry flowed. Great work.
Thanks Sally and Tricia.