Mind Your Manners

by Mary L. Lusk

Would you like some fun? See if you’re able

To tell which manners are best at the table.

Do you say, “Will you pass the pepper, please!”

Or, “Gimme the salt!” and “Ain’t there no cheese?”

Do you wait for Mother and hold her chair,

Or sit down and eat as though she’s not there?

Do you come to breakfast without dressing,

Or neat and clean, ready for the blessing?

Do you lean on the table taking a nap,

Or keep your free hand quiet in your lap?

Do you talk with your mouth full, eat noisily,

Or bite small portions and talk quietly?

Do you say, “Thanks for lunch” and “Excuse me, please”?

Oh, I hope you mind your manners with ease.

Illustrated by Preston Heiselt