Instruction Manuals Are Written For A Purpose Poem by Sharon Jane Lansbury

A woodlouse must, before he starts
performing these aerobic arts,
ensure that he is well aware
of certain rules made for his care.

Now mostly, I would say they do,
so mishaps rarely do ensue,
however there is always one
who will not walk before he runs.

Thus, little Armadillo Brook
ignored his Louse Instruction Book,
which clearly states in Chapter Two
that upside down is bad for you!

You see, a woodlouse must resist
the urge upon his back to twist,
for once inverted, it’s a strain
to right these creatures once again.

But wisdom in the young is rare:
For safety issues, they don’t care!
And this wee bug such confidence feels
attempts his first head-over-heels!

Oh deary me, poor little soul,
ran out of petrol in mid-roll!
He lay there vaguely wondering why
his legs were walking on the sky?

Armadillo’s mother said:
‘No supper for you! Straight to bed! ’
She scrubbed and when the dirt was gone,
She heaved his striped pyjamas on!

Then once restored to the right position,
Armadillo began tuition:
He now knows what the book imparts
for woodlice in aerobic arts.

A woodlouse must, before he starts
performing these aerobic arts,
ensure that he is well aware
of certain rules made for his care.

Now mostly, I would say they do,
so mishaps rarely do ensue,
however there is always one
who will not walk before he runs.

Thus, little Armadillo Brook
ignored his Louse Instruction Book,
which clearly states in Chapter Two
that upside down is bad for you!

You see, a woodlouse must resist
the urge upon his back to twist,
for once inverted, it’s a strain
to right these creatures once again.

But wisdom in the young is rare:
For safety issues, they don’t care!
And this wee bug such confidence feels
attempts his first head-over-heels!

Oh deary me, poor little soul,
ran out of petrol in mid-roll!
He lay there vaguely wondering why
his legs were walking on the sky?

Armadillo’s mother said:
‘No supper for you! Straight to bed! ’
She scrubbed and when the dirt was gone,
She heaved his striped pyjamas on!

Then once restored to the right position,
Armadillo began tuition:
He now knows what the book imparts
for woodlice in aerobic arts.