The Lock

MAGPIE TALES

http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

THE LOCK

(An imaginary tale)

My Father locked me in a cupboard

When I was a child of three.

It was dark and I was terrified

But he would not set me free!

I screamed and beat upon the door,

I continued to cry and shout.

'Promise to be good' he cried

'And then I'll let you out!'

I promised, promised, promised,

And at last he turned the key.

I stood blinking in the sunlight,

Thankful he'd heard my plea.

Throughout a miserable childhood

He threatened me every day...

'Back into the cupboard you'll go

So make sure that you obey!'

So I obeyed, so meekly,

I never raised my voice.

Cowed, I lived under Daddy's thumb;

I felt I had no choice.

I grew up as a misfit,

An outcast and a fool,

Always hearing my Father's voice

And obeying my Father's rule.

*

They demolished the family home last week;

I went round to view the scene,

Gritting my teeth as I surveyed

The spot where my jail had been.

And there, on the ground, I saw it,

Rusting, the very same lock.

I picked it up and held it,

All the while in a state of shock.

Then I took the lock and hurled it

Hurled it with all my might

Away, away in the distance,

Away, away out of sight!

*

For a moment I stood there shaking,

I was still my Father's son,

Then I straightened my back and walked away

With my face to the blazing sun.

*

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ULTRA VIOLET!

So what's the latest in the news?

Why! Ultraviolet tattoos!

When the light is black they're clearly seen!

(But what, exactly, does 'black light' mean?)

That mild young man you see in the park

May glow with violet after dark!

The hair above looks dark and neat

During the day, when in the street!

But wait till a black-light bulb is found!

He'll glow in the dark then, I'll be bound.

That sweet young thing looking so demure

Will glow with the best after-dark I'm sure!

Purple passion to the fore

But I really wonder what it's for!

One day Grandpa will be retired!

Will his grandkids be inspired

When Grandpa shines all violet!

They'll bury their heads and grin, I bet!

Grandpa will probably feel quite glum;

What a Shrinking Violet he'll become!

*