WITH THE GRUBBS.

[dadio]

You’re going to have to stay
With the Grubbs
While I’m at work
Mother said
And don’t play them up
And so she took you
Along to the Grubbs
And left you there
And you sat at the big table
Waiting for Mrs Grubb
To bring in the dinners
And opposite sat Mr Grubb
Smoking a cigarette
And reading a newspaper
And you watched as the smoke
Rose over the top
Of the newspaper
And heard him mutter
Under his breath
And on the radio
In the corner
Dance music played
And above the table
A birdcage hung
Where a canary made noises
And spilt seeds
And Mr Grubbs said
Shut up the noise
You feathered pest
And he hit the birdcage
With the newspaper
And Mrs Grubb
Came in slowly
With two dinner plates
And said leave Joey alone
Leave the bird be
And Mr Grubb looked at you
And pulled a face
And raised his eyes heavenward
And you sat watching
Mrs Grubb’s moustache
Rise and fall as she spoke
And then she turned
And went off
And Mr Grubb said
Next week
We’re having the darn bird
For lunch yellow feathers and all
And you heard Mrs Grubb
Swear and curse and say
Fuck you
From down the hall.

[judih]

fun time for any child
(shudder)

[dadio]

Thank you, Judih.