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