Excuses

I've always made my living
teaching flute and sax, and more
to hundreds of willing students
(aged from three to ninety-four).
I've heard many excuses
so I'm sharing some with you—
their reasons for not practising,
and all of these are true!
 
"We've got a brand-new puppy
and she can't be left alone.
She got into my bedroom
and chewed up my saxophone!"
I'd heard of chewed-up music,
but this was something new:
the mouthpiece was in tatters,
and several reeds were, too!
 
"I've tried to play my clarinet.
I've been trying hard all week,
but every time I blow it,
I can only make it squeak!"
Examining the lady's
clarinet just made me frown—
she'd put the thing together
with the mouthpiece UPSIDE DOWN!
 
My mind boggled at one young lad
whose mum wanted to speak
to her friend who lived in Sweden,
but he didn't play all WEEK!
When asked why that's a reason
why he really couldn't play:
"She had to listen carefully...
Sweden's so far away!"
 
"My dad won't let me practise!"
some have said with sad expressions.
I told them that's unlikely
when their dad has paid for lessons!
Despite their varied antics,
I consider my work done
if everyone makes progress
and, above all, has some fun.