The Glorious Pay for Children's Play

I have told my kids since they were little that their job was to get dirty. They have always taken their work seriously, However, my son will often re-confirm that standing order just before he plunges into some muddy quagmire. I suspect he wants to make sure I have his back when we arrive on the deck with another ruined t-shirt stained beyond recognition. 

The Glorious Pay for Children's Play

The glorious pay for children’s play

Is found behind their ears.

On dusty brows and dirty cheeks

Streaked clean with laughter’s tears.

It’s dirt that’s pay for a youngster’s day

When he romps through bright sunshine.

Then it’s off to the tub for a hearty scrub

To wash the soil away,

And trade the beads acquired in play

For a ring round Mom’s white tub.  

Then off to dive in clothes-line-dried,

Sweet smelling, twin bed sheets.