The Rule

My mother’s voice was loud and clear:

No use pretending not to hear!

I knew the words that soon would come.

They always left me feeling glum.

“No, no, no!

I said you may not go.

Unless you clear up all your mess

You will not hear me answer ‘Yes’.

Now pick those clothes up off the floor

And put them in their proper drawer.

Then, all your toys must be away

And after that, yes, go and play.”

Mum’s tone of voice left me no choice,

But task once done, meant play and fun.

Monty Edwards

•  Submitted in response to Poetry Prompt #27
  

Monty says: “Despite some changes in parenting styles over the years, I suspect many children (and parents) would still be familiar with a rule of this kind and its benefits.”