Half Term Blues

Half-term holidays are here again
Two weeks of not going to school
Uniforms are in the washing machine
Even though the kids think they're uncool

After two days they'll be fighting
And I bet this will strike a chord
In a week you will be hearing
Those three little words “Mum, I’m bored”

Holiday companies charge more
Than they do during term-time
But you can't take them away then
You'll get fined because it’s a crime

None of the kids will read a book
They're on the console playing games
They won't take turns on the controller
So they call each other names

Board games they got for Christmas
Have never left the box
They have no patience to do jigsaws
And they're too old for building blocks

I turn off the TV and say
“We’re going to the park”
By the time they get their coats on
It’s going to be dark

Eventually we’re on our way
And the park gates are in sight
A youth who’s loitering near a tree
Asks me if I’ve got a light

I tell him I don't smoke
And he gives me a dirty look
Then he mumbles a reply
That sounds like gobbledygook

When we get into the park
There's no apparatus free
It’s all occupied by youths
And two are carving on a tree

My youngest starts to cry
He wants to go upon the swing
The occupant waves his fist
Wearing a knuckle-duster ring

Another youth produces a flick-knife
Designed to look like a comb
So I usher the kids towards the park gates
And tell them it’s time we went home

Back at the house it’s time for tea
And no-one says a word
My eldest child takes my hand in his
And says “Mum, were you scared?”

I tell him that those at the park
All probably thought they were cool
They'd probably roamed the streets
Instead of going to school

He smiles at me and says “you’re right,
Now what game can we play?”
My heart sinks and I realise
They're bored after one day
I dread to think how bored they'll be
When it’s a six week holiday