Batteries Excluded

Last year's toy are discarded,
Broken, bruised, or just out of style,
Space has been made in the toy box
And they are lying in a jumbled pile.
Once again it's Christmas Eve
Once again that time of year
When this year's required batch
Will somewhat miraculously appear.

You've fought your way around the shops,
Harassed, bewildered , almost deluded:
With all theses electronic toys you forgot
To check whether batteries were included.
So, Singing Cowboy don't, racing car won't,
All battery less, inert, powerless, dead
You are looking for a quiet wall against
Which to go and quietly bang your head.

The children are older this year,
They no longer cry with distress
Just give you that special look
That says typical blooming mess.
They have that acquired skill of
Playing the neglected martyr
And suggesting party games
Is so of a much a non starter.

You slink away to the kitchen
To hang your head in shame:
Call yourself a caring parent,
Are you worthy of the name?
In the living room there's a stirring
Followed by a most pleasant noise
The toy box has been re opened
They are playing with last years toys.

Boxing Day the shops are open
And batteries can be sought
Neatly and carefully listed
To ensure correct ones are bought.
Quickly inserted, toys powered up
Happiness reigns at last, albeit a day late,
In spite of batteries being excluded
Christmas returns again to a happy state.

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