Why Can�t We Have A Robot, Instead?

Mommy and Daddy once wanted to know

If I wanted our happy family to grow

When I said, “Yes” they seemed surprised

Especially when I offered some circuits and wires

Seems what they wanted was a girl or a boy

But me, what I wanted was more like a toy

With lights and whistles and all sorts of what not

‘Cause what I really wanted was brand new robot!

Later when “baby” was well on the way

They told me the news that I dread to this day

Instead of a battery, a fuse or resistor

We were adding a little brother (or sister)!

I told them “no” and just shook my head

“Why can’t we have a robot, instead?

They’re clean and they’re shiny

And never once whiney

They do as they’re told

And never catch cold

And… whenever you wish

They turn off with a switch

A baby is smelly and fussy

And bossy and messy

They sleep half the day

Always in the way

And if you think I’m trouble

Do you want that to double?”

Then Mom and Pop said that they knew

All my complaints were undoubtedly true

Dad also said, when Mom couldn’t hear,

That robots don’t ever feel pain or fear

But a robot would never just stare at a bug

Or share a sandwich, a bath or a hug on the rug

And Mom, who was listening, leaned in to add

That a Robot would never be worried or sad

But a robot is never either happy or silly

And no robot ever got a case of the willies!

Then the day came when our family grew

And when I first saw our addition I knew

A robot is nice and I still want one so

But a baby is better because they will grow.

Any brother or sister is loved from the start

Where a robot has circuits, people have heart

Even if a robot has flashing lights in it’s head

I still want to have a baby, instead.

Reviews

[Michael X]

barry, you have managed to capture perfect childhood imagination, and i completely
felt like i was a kid again, one can feel the excitement unfold, as the new baby comes into the
picture, what i find most impressive is the form and your being able to capture the
entire aspect wiith well chosen wording, as your words surely capture the readers
imagination, i cant wait to see where this is going, impressive writing.
When I said, "Yes" they seemed surprised
Especially when I offered some circuits and wires

[J Lea]

I thought this was really creative and fun to read.

[Barry!]

Hmm...

With this sort of encouragement... I believe I'll have to write another!

Thanks alot friends!

[Damian Alan Gray]

This was pretty great, Barry! I envision a mother reading this to her soon-to-be elder son at bed-time. However, I'm with Jim on this. Give me the robot any day of the week!

Regardless, this is very nice work.

[yinseriv]

Ah, you gave me a smile to start my day! How cute! Me, I still vote for the robot. Thank you Barry. You do have a million of them. Cha cha cha cha my friend.