Look when I said “Stay home” of course I meant
“If staying home is difficult, go out.”
You should have known the rules could have been bent.
I don’t know what you’re all so cross about.
You could have dropped the kids off with a friend
If you were sick, or held your mother’s hand
For one last time, before she met her end. It’s not my fault you didn’t understand.
And yes, I drove to Barnard Castle, too
But don’t you think you’re being quite unkind
Bringing that up? It’s what I had to do
To double check that I had not gone blind!
I’ve done no wrong, and won’t apologize.
I’m sure the public will accept my lies.
Tom Juniper Poetry 