daddy, daddy, br I can’t go to school br br br why darling, br what’s wrong br with you? br br br I’ve got a runny nose, br daddy - br can’t you see? br and my cheeks are blue br I just think br I’ve got the flu br br br but sweetheart, br you look br as fresh as the rose br outside your room; br and darling br your eyes glow br like sparklers in New Year br br br but daddy, daddy br hear me carefully: br my voice is hoarse; br don’t you think br I sound like granny? br br br oh, OK darling - br you don’t have to go to school; br though, today is the day we stop br for pancakes br before school br and we stop for br doughnuts after; br but that’s all fine br if you’re sick br just stay at home br and you can’t have either br br br but daddy, daddy br I CAN go to school; br see my nose’s fixed itself now br and my voice is again br as clear as the school bell; br and just as you say br my face is as fresh as the rose br outside my room br and my eyes glow br like New Year sparklers: br so what are you waiting for, daddy? – br put on your shoes br get your car keys br and let’s GO!br br Raj Arumugambr br