Another rhyme in the style of Hilaire Belloc's Cautionary Tales |
Willie Who watched TV and ate his way to disaster When Willie was a little lad He often told his mum and dad “You needn’t worry about me I’m happy watching the TV.” “When you’re at work I’ll be OK. I don’t want to go out to play, And if you have to go and shop I’ll stay inside and channel-hop.” He was a pale and pasty child. While other kids were running wild And kicking balls or throwing rocks Young Willie watched the goggle box. His parents bought a TV for Will’s bedroom on the second floor So he could flip from show to show And not disturb the folks below. Cartoons and sitcoms, crime and sports, Movies and talkback, music, shorts, Re-runs, repeats and interviews, He sometimes even watched the news. While Willie watched he also chewed Delicious, fat-filled, junk fast food, Burgers and hotdogs, cookies, fries. He grew and grew to super size. But Willie’s home, it’s sad to tell, Really was not built very well. The floors were thin, materials shoddy, Too weak for Willie’s bloated body. And as he munched a piece of toast The walls and floors gave up the ghost. All at once, with a roaring sound The house came crashing to the ground. A rain of popcorn, cakes and pies Contributed to Will’s demise Survivors said the heavy dude Was smothered by his favourite food. Quick to the spot rushed media crews And Willie made the evening news A lesson there for all to see Victim of junk food and TV. |