This week’s writing was based on a picture prompt. Here’s the picture –
Here’s the song:
The Answer is NO! ©2023
Can I feed you some peas?
The answer is NO!
Can I give you some cheese?
The answer’s still NO!
What if we play a game and fly this spoon of food into your mouth?
Your answer is NO! A definite NO!
It’s time for a nap.
The answer is NO!
Shall we have a bath?
The answer’s still NO!
What if I dress you up and we can go to visit one of your friends?
Your answer is NO! A definite NO!
For, every time I ask to help you do something with me
Your answer’s in the negative; you claim, “I’m almost three!”
You say that you are old enough and almost fully grown
And you do not need any help. You’ll do it on your own.
Let’s go read a book.
The answer is NO!
Let’s go for a walk.
The answer’s still NO!
What if I pick a toy I know you like so you can play with me?
Your answer is NO! A definite NO!
For, every time I ask to help you do something with me
Your answer’s in the negative; you claim, “I’m almost three!”
You say that you are old enough and almost fully grown
And you do not need any help. You’ll do it on your own
So I’ll let you choose
What you want to eat
Clothes you want to wear
Who washes your feet
I give you choices now; I see you smile; you answer with a “Yes!”
I get what you want; I don’t have to guess.
So parents out there, hear me out, a lesson you can learn.
Don’t make your kids do all you say; sometimes give them a turn.
Provide them with some choices; let them choose not to make war.
And maybe we all will survive until they’re almost four.
The Answer is NO! © 2023 by Harvey Heilbrun is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
