Terrible Toddler

The hangry voice that starts our day.
“eat… EAT!” you shout while we say:
“It’s coming” as we drop the plate,
Desperate to satiate.

We probably should go outside
To give you some natural light,
But with contempt you view the slide;
The swings your kryptonite.

More hair than dad; more fair than mum,
My genes have made you hate the sun.
Squinting – “too bright!” you say with distaste.
So quick to scrunch up that face.

Immune to the playground’s draw
That puts the other kids in awe.
A tow truck parked across the street
Somehow has everything else beat.

Negotiations come with ease;
You have a trump card up your sleeve.
“I love you daddy” you flatter with poise.
Soon after encumbered with toys.

What today will be your mission:
“Divide and conquer” or “attrition”?
We start our day with “1 hour TV”
By the end it’s “infinity”.

Dinner comes forever later
You tell us “RICE! No food is greater.”
Veggies left in a deliberate heap –
“Try bribery” you speak.

By now you know the shower’s next
Yet somehow always act perplexed
Why do mum and dad insist?
I yearn for the day you don’t resist.

A story before bed you ask
“How ’bout Kai truck?” A simple task.
But the truck must ABSOLUTELY be blue
and also be made of chocolate too.

Not sure how mum could be so strong
With all your whims upon her.
Although each day with you is long
It’s nothing but an honour.