Taking Away Children's Rights 1 By 1

When I was growing up parents were becoming aware, Of children's right to chose what they should wear, Though life was not always fair, For those who did not want to share, Or chose to only sit and stare. When I was growing up there was Love to spare, And food to share for children from parents able to care, And if they could not Grandma or Granddad were there, So few died in care, Even though they were not free of despair, With some going to hell and back to be fair, And no one should have had that to bear. When I was growing up girls were able to earn their share, And boys were were learning to cook a breakfast to take up the stair, It was possible for girls to drive and change gear, And for boys to play with girls toys and avoid a clip around the ear, There was hope in the air, That the next generation would even better fare, And be devoid of fear. So how did it come to pass, That the only rights children now have, Are the right to despair, Having very little to share, With parents or caregivers who mostly sit on the couch and stare, Who wish they were not there, And may when drugs or alcohol are near, End their time in care. So who is to blame, For all this shame, The politicians who act so lame, And pass laws that give good parenting a bad name, Or those who vote them in again and again. Am I the only one who sees the hypocrisy, Of laws that interfere with children's play, For the sake of tv ratings, And advertising targeted at children, to parents's dismay, Not to mention the places the state lets them stay, With their health in total disarray, Drugs and alcohol their main stay. When I was growing up Gangs had less sway, And strong communities kept the worst of them at bay, Now they control communities and keep the police at bay, But never mind more laws are coming, To make it easier for communities to decline To give good parents less say, And children more sway, But only if they stay in a world that has virtual play, For the rest they can look forward to the day, When they are old enough for Euthanasia to have the final say. I have now had my say, So, I am going outside with my grandson to play, While I still hold sway, Keeping him out of harms way, While helping his parents reduce the Part the state has to play, And keeping the gangs at bay Until he is old enough to vote on a better day, That sees more children come out to play, As communities again hold sway, In a meaningful way.