And Dad said Dig...

 

Dad said, ‘Dig a hole in the garden.’

But I questioned him, ‘Why should I do that?’

He said, ‘Son don’t you see

it was curiosity

That finally did in the cat.’

 

Dad said, ‘Dig a hole in the garden

So I asked him, ‘Pa-pa, what for?’

He said, ‘Does the rose

know the reason it grows?

No! Come on, dig a bit more.’

 

Dad said, ‘Dig a hole in the garden’

I demanded, ‘I must know the reason!’

How red his face went

‘I’m sensing descent

And shall not stand for this treason!’

 

Dad said, ‘Dig a hole in the garden

‘But father!’ I cried, ‘I’m confused.

I’m tired and groggy

my socks are all soggy

and my toes and fingers are bruised.’

 

Still Dad said, ‘Dig a hole in the garden

Boy, you don’t know you’re living

When I was your age

The minimum wage

Was a tuppence and half of a shilling

 

Dad said, ‘Dig a hole in the garden’

‘But mon pere I believe that I’m dying’

mon pere disagreed

so I fait accompli – ed

Now I alternate digging with crying

 

Dad said, ‘Stop digging the garden.

Son, you need dig no more.

Now look and behold

At this glorious hole

You dug.’ - ‘Yes,’ I said. ‘But what for?’

 

‘I said dig a hole in the garden

Because in life you need a clear goal

And I’m slightly annoyed

That you’re still unemployed

So grab a spade, and dig a new hole.