Teenagers – what are they like?
Best keep it very light touch
They’ll storm off in a strop.
If you push them too much.

‘Music off, please come down John.’
‘Your tea is ready my lad.’
‘How was school today?’
‘Okay, not bad.’

It’s like pulling teeth.
Getting blood from a stone
Some noncommittal reply.
Most often just a groan.

‘Where are you going tonight?’
Said John’s tireless Mum.
‘Nowhere, just hanging out.’
‘John, have you been struck dumb?’

‘Do you have any homework?’
Asked his exacerbated Mum.
‘No’ said John without eye contact.
‘Stop banging that same old drum.’

‘Leave me alone’ he says.
‘Cut me a bit of slack.’
‘I’ve had enough, I’ll off.’
‘And I might not be coming back.’