The Mrs Butler Blues

I’ve got the 
Teach-them-in-the-morning-
Playground-duty-
Teach-them-in-the-afternoon blues.
My head’s like a drum;
My feet, cold and sore.
I’m feeling so glum;
Can’t take any more.
I’ve got the
Teach-them-in-the-morning-
Playground-duty-
Teach-them-in-the-afternoon blues.

I’ve got the 
Please-Miss-Tracey’s-eating-
Where’s-the-hamster?-
Miss-I’ve-broke-my-ruler blues.
My hair’s full of chalk.
There’s paint on my dress.
It hurts when I talk.
My handbag’s a mess.
I’ve got the
Please-Miss-Tracey’s-eating-
Where’s-the-hamster?-
Miss-I’ve-broke-my-ruler blues.
I’ve got the 
Teach-them-till-I’m-weary-
Parents’-evening-
Don’t-get-home-till-midnight blues.
I know it’s a job
That has to be done,
But I’d rather rob
A bank with a gun.
I’ve got the
Teach-them-till-I’m-weary-
Parents’-evening-
Don’t-get-home-till-midnight blues.

One more time: 
Teach-them-in-the-morning blues.
Hmm!
How’d you like to be in my…shoes?

From Collected Poems. 

• performing this poem to blues music.
• reading Allan Ahlberg's 'Please Mrs Butler' poem on this site.