Notice of absence from Doggerel Dave
I do return sometimes... occasionally...
I do return sometimes... occasionally...
It’s the cost of a roof over their head
Sends both partners scurrying out of bed
To work; the products of this nightmare
Provided for, wait for it, by Child Care.
Often profit making enterprises
With cheapest input owner devises;
Poorly trained assistants, zero background checks -
Neglect and cruelty that can only perplex.
No time to share child supervision -
Offspring’s welfare a labour division;
All hands must be turned to hard toil rewarded
To maintain a sound roof and a warm bed.
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Author:
Doggerel Dave (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: July 3rd, 2025 17:28
- Comment from author about the poem: Prophetic or what? See entry below for further detail. You may also wish to return to the original and the debate which evolved under: https://mypoeticside.com/show-poem-203892
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 17
- Users favorite of this poem: Thomas W Case, NafisaSB
Offline)
Comments9
In the best country in the world (our PM) a male child care worker has been charged to date with 70 sexual offences against children between the ages of five months and two years.
Authorities are suggesting that given his employment record in the sector, that some1200 infants be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
So if the system in the best country in the world……. What gives in all the lesser countries?
A sad outcome of a capitalistic society where greed and need do not always mesh. One parent homes, two parent incomes one spent on childcare and when asked why not stay home and watch the kids instead they respond I couldn't handle it. A hot write Dave
Not so much couldn't handle It as couldn't afford it - My first and final stanzas.
Your gonna open a can of worms with this one, as you say the cost is astronomical, especially in cities. I know couples who pay more than one of their salerys to cover the care, they genuinely would be better off if one of them stayed at home. I know the cost of running a professional, fully trained and checked child care establishment is hugely expensive, again in the cities etc, because of property and rental prices, higher staffing costs. I personally think child care should be classed as a working expense and therefore claimable on your tax returns. Another thought provoking write, enjoyed
I think we both know where it's at, so I can only thank you for the time you put in to this response, Tobani.
One small point of interest while I'm here: When I lived in the UK tax returns for the ordinary Joe Blow were simple things which required ten minutes work, as opposed to Australian returns, so complicated that even an ordinary worker often hired an accountant to sort it. What is the state of play over there now?
You are advised to get an accountant, heavy fines if you fill forms incorrectly or forget to add something, like most forms now its often difficult to understand the questions let alone know the answers
I cannot get over the way the UK hs changed since my time there.
That's the problem in our world Dave, nobody in power cares for anybody except themselves.
Andy
Thanks Andy for your support.
Wow, a biting critique of modern working life and the childcare system that props it up. It highlights how the struggle to afford basic living forces both parents into full-time work, leaving children in care that’s often profit-driven and underregulated. The poem exposes the hidden costs of survival; emotional, ethical, and societal and questions the quality of a system where care is commodified. It’s a sobering reflection on how economic pressure reshapes family roles and childhood itself.
Couldn't (didn't) put it better myself, Mate.
Thanks for sticking with it.
It’s a need to be said sort of thing 🙏🏻🕊️
Wait, did this happen in the USA? I heard you mention the best country in the world. 🤣🤷♂️ Yes, you can punch me for that and you know I am just kidding! But hey, today we are celebrating that short period we earned our independence from a tyrant only to hand it over to many more! LOL! Yay! How's that for #BestCountryInTheWorld
Damn, bro! This is totally prophetic and totally needed. There is a cost to our Western World's "way of life" and it is severely damaging, if not killing, our future.
Bravo on this one! 🌹👏
Slightly tongue in cheek here when I attribute prophetic to myself. There has been a long heavy debate and campaign re the inadequacy of child care in Australia - blithely ignored by politicians until now.
Best country...Tobani in the UK informs he has been told he lives in the best country in the world too....That's why all three need AUKUS: big bugger submarines to make sure it stays.....Stop me, stop me! I could rant on for years.....
LOL! Keep going, my friend! Totally unrelated, my dog wants to murder someone right now. It is blow up colorful bombs in the air weekend here in the US! 🎇
Dogs can be very sensitive critters, you know..................🤣
For sure! And especially English Cream Goldens!
If your retriever is true to breed, you've got a great companion there. Hope your hound can settle down now.
She is true to breed, for sure! Thank you Dave!
Powerful and poignant.
Glad you found it so. Fave up top noted with gratitude too.
If both parents have to work, it's different to if they both choose to work. But child care is expensive either way, added on to daily living expenses, etc.
(Why is Orchi being sensible? lol).
You should try it occasionally. Being sensible and centered can be quite both soothing and strengthening....
But don't overdo it - sometimes...well occasionally...... perhaps once... I've found your off the wall advice (out of the box kind of thingy) very stimulating.... lead me off in a new direction.................................... thought I'd never get back........
Yes, and Fido says also, as you do: Steady on there, not too much of being sensible.
Why are people inside a box? Cos sometimes they say they are thinking outside of it. Can they not get out of the box?! lol.
Spin that one out as long as you like my friend.... I will be awaiting in anticipation for your penetrating response....
it's a question that demands soul searching because this is a universal evil; have read about it in my country too, and it hurts to think of the innocent lives being racked and wrecked by such evil
one can hope for change - but does seem a distant hope sometimes
very thought provoking verse that demands proper solutions.
I tried anyway; now the focus is child care: politicians will try to keep it narrow in order to avoid broadening the whole thing to the housing issue that I continue to bang on about.
Thanks for the call, Nafisa.
i am very much in line with you on this extremely sensitive issue.
however some of our teeming millions live on the streets because the institutions are full; and no one really cares - the politicians would rather work on what will feather their nest than what touches the heart
So more strength to you and your tribe - may you succeed in your quest for correct solutions
I cannot but note and admire the very subtle way you have managed to put me in my place with respect to one of my many rant topics.
When I go on about the production of children with very little future, you are right - I do so from the very limited perspective of my own 'tribe', and it ill behoves me to extend that value judgement more generally.
I don't think I'll stop , but thanks for engaging. As they tend to say quite frequently round here, 'It made me think!'
in fact, I admire you a lot for taking a stand, and speaking out
here, in one of the most populous lands on earth, pleas fall on deaf ears too, so am wondering whether these poor kids will ever have a good chance to break out and live life as they were meant to.
All the best in your noble endeavors - please continue - at least one of us is doing something worthwhile
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