I Am Seven

My parents may skip a workday— Just for the heck of it. But I shouldn’t— Even for having to watch a Tennis Finals! My fights with neighbor Viji or Vicky Are acts of violence. I must be disciplined. But their fights are just family quarrels! Father drinks and sometimes Talks nonsense. I will only drink—and talk sense! But both wouldn’t let me touch drinks. They wouldn’t let me use my mobile— Waste of time and what not. Then, why did they go for a new iPhone? Isn’t it a waste of time and money, too? Once our doggy had a bad cold. I applied some astringent to his nose. There was hell at home. But I was only trying to help! To err is human, they say. But when I err in my homework, They would get inhuman. Mea culpa? How I wish I became a parent soon! *** Composed on October 18, 2017 WINNER II. Standard Poetry Contest, sponsored by SO, Oct. 20, 2017.