The Teflon Kid Poem by Tony Jolley

How long, O Lord,
How long?

How long before
Teflon loses its slick on our non-stick kid?

How long, O Lord,
How long?

How long before
The message finally sinks in:
He realises that keys are to be kept safe and secure,
That wallets aren't for waving about any more,
That coats shouldn't be just shucked off and chucked,
Neatly folded, ironed clothing is for putting away
Not for sitting on, creasing, screwing up
And dumping back in the laundry basket the self-same day.

How long, O Lord,
How long?

How long before
Plates are cleared without stares and glares;
Before feet don't stomp routinely up and down the stairs,
The dishwasher is emptied just occasionally,
The realisation dawns that other people's property
[and yes, parents do qualify in that hallowed category! ]
Is not to be 'borrowed', purloined or otherwise 'acquired',
The torch has 'live' batteries in it when desired
And not dead duds cunningly covering the lack
When mine are become the integral power-pack
In your X-Box-ed, PlayStation-ed entertainment rack!

Leaving a lick of milk or a dropp of orange juice
Or a bit of bread & butter for someone else's breakfast use
Might just be nice in the kitchen tomorrow morning
Other people live here, lad … is the idea dawning?