Chivvy

Grown-ups say speak up, then say don't talk with your mouth full and don't talk while eating.

The poem opens with contradictory orders about when to speak and when to stay silent.

Sit up, say please, don't interrupt, don't drag your feet, shut the door - a stream of commands.

Physical behaviour is policed: posture, manners, movement and doors must obey adult rules.

Don't stare, don't point, don't be rude, look at the clock - always being corrected.

Even eyes and manners are corrected; time itself becomes an adult weapon.

Instructions clash - be quiet but answer; hurry but don't run; logic of nagging piles up.

The humour lies in how commands contradict daily life and each other.

The poem recalls Michael being asked his name and answering "Michael Don't" because adults always say "Don't".

The classroom joke in the introduction explains the title: chivvy means nag or push constantly.

The poem invites children to imagine giving adults orders - turning the tables on chivvying.

Ending activities ask students to write rules for grown-ups, exposing how one-sided commands feel.