They made them do sums
and wear sensible shoes.
They put them to bed
at the wrong time of day,
And made them sit still
when they wanted to play.
They scrubbed them with soap
and made them eat peas.
They made them behave and
say pardon and please.
They took all their wisdom
and wildness away.
That’s why there are none
in the forest today.
Jean Willis
‘Wild Child’
