No! Amanda

No! Amanda - don’t do that You put clothes on dollies, not on the cat Yes, I know that you’re playing, but Simba does not And he really doesn’t belong in that cot No! Amanda - I’ve told you before Put your food in your mouth, not on the floor Yes, I know it’s spaghetti, but look at the mess There’s less on the plate than there is down your dress No! Amanda - don’t you dare Climb up in those wellies, onto the chair Yes, I know that it’s bouncy, and that it feels good But I don’t need the furniture covered in mud No! Amanda – don’t take him out A goldfish likes to keep swimming about Yes, I know that you’re looking, but just please use your eyes If you hold him much longer, he’s going to die No! Amanda – don’t get out of bed Pull up your covers, and cuddle in Ted Yes I know that you’re tired, but you’ll soon be asleep Then I can finally sit down and find some relief! © Janette Fisher – May 1988 I wrote this poem when Amanda was 3 years old, she's now 24