Do as I say, Not as I do

My parents always told me
not to ride with drunk drivers.
But what if Dad’s the one drunk?
They warned me of the terrible crashes,
mangled metal,
shattered glass,
the horrible task
of removing bodies from the wreckage,
police leaving to deliver the message,
that someone’s child would never
come home again.
So my wise parents made me swear,
anytime, anywhere
to call them for a ride instead.
But what if Daddy’s the one drunk,
and Mommy doesn’t know?
I get in the car, and ride to school,
because they told me so.
I thought Mommy and Daddy always knew,
the right thing for me to do.

My parents always told me never to do drugs.
But what if Mom’s the one with the needle?
They showed me the terrible effects splashed all over the news.
They taught me certain signs to stay away from; certain clues.
They prepared me very well,
to avoid the world of drugs.
It seemed as if this demon lived in city slums, or the wrong side of town.
Little did I know, drugs, were to what Mommy was bound.
No one taught me to understand, or comprehend,
why Mommy couldn’t sit still,
or why she was so thin, thin, thin.
These are the things about drugs that I really needed to know.
But I trusted my parents, because they told me so.
My parents always told me never to do drugs,
but what if Mom’s the one with the needle?

My parents always told me sex was meant for marriage,
but what if Daddy’s the one with Mrs. Jones?
They told me, the big girl at school, carrying the baby,
is not a nice girl.
They told me about boyfriends,
and what was proper and good.
They warned me about parking,
and that I never really should.
I followed their advice,
and immediately refused all male advances.
Barely even kissing, I took no chances.
Still I found her naked in my mother’s spot.
My Dad wide eyed at his randevu being caught.
Their looks told me they had done this before.
I couldn’t stop staring,
as Daddy slammed the door.
My parents always told me, sex was meant for marriage.
But what if Daddy’s the one with Mrs. Jones,
and all I hear is moans,
that isn’t in marriage.

Some things are so horrible,
shockingly close to home.
What will become of us little followers,
if our leader is not strong?

Do as I say, not as I do.
Yes Mommy, Yes Daddy.
I am always watching you;
learning the world through the teachings of two.
I will grow up to be just like you,
do as you do, say as you do.
Because Mommy and Daddy always knew,
the right thing for me to do.