First Failure

During those pleasant childhood days
I kept amused in many ways
I'd read a book or sit and talk
Whilst waiting for our daily walk

Each night at seven after tea
We'd take a walk, my mum and me
Out through the gate then down the lane
Around the block and back again

But then one day it poured with rain
And prayers for sun were said in vain
It rained all day and 'though I moaned
It seemed our walk would be postponed

Deprived of this my daily walk
I moped around and wouldn't talk
At last with a frustrated shout
Dad said "For God's sake take him out!"

And so at last at half past ten
My mum and I set out again
Intending to go down the lane
Around the block and back again

We walked and walked until we saw
A girl inside a darkened door
It seemed to me as we went past
That mum was walking very fast

I asked her why we hurried so
And why she hadn't said hello
To that nice girl as we went by
Mum turned around and gave a sigh

"That girl" she said "is not so nice
In fact she is a queen of vice
She gives herself to men who pay"
Mum took my hand - "now come away"

This information puzzled me
And caused me some anxiety
"Can they have children then" I said
"For first I thought you had to wed"

Mum smiled at me and gave a wink
"I know exactly what you think
But it makes no difference if they're paid
That's how driving examiners are made!"