In Reserve

A foot deep in copper coins
and algae,
I didn't ask to visualise this,
the bank statements,
ironed and clipped in place,
belies the house
and what has drained from within.

Parents learn, children learn,
parents pit against
each other,
innuendo at the sports club,
fists raised,
parents learn, children learn,
what parents will always learn.

Money and what money can
do for you,
dig for gold between the grips
of your sole,
or leave no mess on the porch.

But be proper, for parents are
always learning,
this, and
that there is no age to learn,
and there is no age to learn.