Dad had gone out Errands to run Bills to pay… We were left at home With specific instructions Not to open the door to anyone Not to answer the phone And most of all Not to leave the house We wait for about 30mins We had change burning a hole in our pockets, and… Dad would be out for at least another 30mins The sweet shop beckoned We heard the calling, it was only 2mins away We could make it there and back before he got home So my older sister said, let’s do it… Come on let’s run now and get back before Dad gets home So, we did, leaving our younger brothers with the same instructions Dad left us with in the first place We took their orders and their change, and off we went Happy as Larry in the knowledge that we could do this… With our purchases securely in our pockets My sister and I skipped home, as we turned the corner before hitting home There was one of our brothers running towards us What the H was he doing? He ran towards us clicking his fingers (As only black people know how to do) Grinning from ear to ear Before we had the chance to ask He spouted… lickings for you, whilst still clicking his fingers Dad’s home and sent me to get you As you can imagine, our moment of euphoria died a sudden death As reality hit home The brother was enjoying our dilemma We didn’t know if… We should continue home or run a mile Dad was waiting at the gate I could almost hear Mum saying…”Wait till your father gets home.” As she usually did when we were in trouble Only this time he was waiting for us Strap in hand… We knew what was coming next… For every other word my sister and I got a lash from the belt You didn’t …Lash… Hear me …Lash… Tell you …Lash… Don’t leave …Lash… The house …Lash…
The moral of the story…
If you can’t hear
You will feel…
And the Bible says
Honour thy mother and father
