“Do up your collar Son, tuck in your shirt!
Your shoes need a polish, clean socks wouldn’t hurt.”
“But why does it matter Dad? Why should I care?
I bet no-one’s bothered if I’ve brushed my hair,
or straightened my tie or remembered to wash.
So why do I have to pretend to be posh?”
“Appearance is vital, Son, listen to me!
It’s called ‘first impressions’, we judge what we see.
And if you look scruffy then people will say:
‘oh isn’t ‘e dreadful!? The yoof of today!’”
“Then people are stupid, Dad. Why should I mind?
Just let them be bitter and twisted, unkind.
You can’t judge a book by its cover, I’m told,
and though things can glitter, they’re not always gold!”
A pause
“Oh Dad, by the way, can I have some new jeans?
they have to be Levis, so don’t be all mean
and buy them from ASDA, they have to look right.
I’m taking Louise to the movies tonight!”
“Oh don’t be so silly, Louise wouldn’t care
if you turned up dressed as a tiger or bear.
I’ve told you a thousand times; let me announce:
the stuff on the INSIDE is all that should count”
Paul Hughes 2008
