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Jeff Skinner - Marshmallows

Well Versed is edited by Jody Porter

Marshmallows
Jeff Skinner

Recent research suggests that poorer children may be behaving rationally rather than impulsively in not delaying gratification as Mischel’s original study proposed

Oh Mr Mischel
What shall I do?
I’d like a mallow now
I won’t wait for two.
We’ve no jam today
Never mind tomorrow.
I eat a mallow when I can –
It’s difficult to swallow.

Oh Mr Mischel
I know what to do.
I want a mallow now
But I can wait for two.
My Daddy’s Mr Jam
Tomorrow Mr Mallow.
He’s sending workers home.
He’s sending me to Harrow.

 

 

Jeff Skinner is a retired librarian and trade union rep. His poems have appeared online the Stare’s Nest, Crowsfeet, Clear Poetry, Ground Poetry – as well as on a Guernsey bus. He was shortlisted in last year’s Wells Poetry Competition and he reads at Exeter Poets Uncut.

Well Versed is edited by Jody Porter ([email protected])
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