The Latch-Key Kid

I am the Latch-Key Kid
When I go home, no tea on the table
I manage to make myself something to eat
The best that I am able

Mum and Dad at work till past eleven
So I just sit and watch TV
When they come home they go to bed
They have no time for me

At eight-thirty in the morning
My dad gives me a lift to school
He tells me to do as I’m told
And not to play the fool

The guy at the desk behind me
Starts kicking my chair leg again
I loudly express my opinion
And I’m rewarded with getting the cane

At lunchtime I sit in the canteen
And open up my lunch box
It contains a curled-up ham sandwich
“Is that all you’ve got” the guy next to me mocks

His lunch box is laden with sandwiches and crisps
And a slice of homemade chocolate cake
I really can’t remember
The last time I saw my mum bake

The school bell rings at three ‘o’ clock
And we all make a mad dash for the door
A bully pushes me over
And I end up on the floor

He looks down at me and says
“Are you going to tell your mam”?
If I stand up I’ll get knocked back down
So I might as well stay where I am

My books and homework are strewn on the floor
And they get trampled underfoot
Before the bully leaves
I get a firm kick in the gut

My school has zero tolerance for bullying
But complaints are not effective
If my parents report an incident
They're accused of being over-protective

Finally I get home
After taking the longer route
The bullies have stolen sweets from a timid new starter
And they’re sharing out their loot

I have my usual meal for tea
A plate of beans on toast
The best meal of my week
Is when mum cooks a Sunday roast

Later as I lay in bed
I hear the front door slam
I listen for the familiar sound
Of dad arguing with mam

Tomorrow is another day
But for me every weekday's the same
I am the latch-key kid
But I know I’m not to blame