Elbows Off Poem by Mark. A Heathcote

Form an orderly line.
Everything is regimental,
even the school photo.
Say cheese, everyone.
Hands together.
Chairs on desks.
Parents at the gate.

You led me away
and I followed.
We didn't hold hands.
Shush, no noise.
Elbows off.
Mind your P's and Q's.
Sit up straight when I'm talking to you.

Is your homework done?
Show me.
Stop quibbling and eat your greens.
Clean behind your ears, child.
I want you in bed before nine.
I'm ashamed to call you mine.

I wish I had another family.
Maybe a chimpanzee's.
One without table manners
or flinching from hands.