Rules

Wipe your feet before you eat.
Use the bathroom,
then wash your teeth. 
If you don't eat dessert,
you won't get your veggies.
Brush your hands
And floss your shoesies.
Go read TV,
Don't watch too much books.
Start messing around
and quit all that work.
Blow your fingernails,
Clip your nose.
Change the toilet.
Flush your clothes.
Feed your homework.
Finish your pet.
Remember, to do it
and always forget.
Don't tease your toys.
Pick up your brother.
Listen to the garbage.
Empty your mother.
Clear the laundry.
Fold your plate.
There's so many rules,
I can't keep 'em straight.

-B.C. Byron

The world is overflowing with rules. Like me, I’m sure you have to be reminded sometimes to keep your feet off the couch, clean up your science experiments in the garage, put your name at the top of your school papers, and to wear socks when you go outside. Unfortunately, the list of rules only grows bigger as you get older. Ask your parents about taxes. Ugh! I have to hire someone to help me with all the tax rules. There’s a whole government agency to keep track of those rules. Then there’s rules for driving, dress code at work and on and on. The list of chores gets bigger for adults too. With all these rules and chores, it’s no wonder that I find myself getting mixed up all the time.

Have you ever left a jug of milk in the back of your car for 4 days until the smell reminded you to put the groceries away? I have. Have you ever lost your keys and ended up finding them in the refrigerator next to the cheese? I have. Maybe I need a phone app to remind me where car keys go. So many rules, I can’t keep them straight.