Countryside rules

As a child who lived quite wild
In the countryside back then
We knew the rules that farmers had
Before the age of ten

Our parents shouted out those rules

to keep us safe from harm
A sort of thing you learnt quite quick
When living near a farm

There were no signs nor silly things
Like kids do have today
No fences, there to keep you out
nor warnings where to play

We ran amok in open fields
And always closed those gates
We climbed those trees in local woods
And made camps with our mates

and every child near animals
We knew those birds and bees
And learnt which plants are poisonous
and knew don't touch but see

And if we had an accident
Or grazed or cut our knee
our parents would give you a slap
for being stupid see

But now today some folks I know
Have lost this rural sense
Need warning signs to shut them gates

Because they are quite dense

They now need some warning sign
To say Oi! mind our sheep
Or need to be reminded
that the bloody rivers deep

Keep dogs on lead, don't feed my cow!
The list of signs is long
If you cannot know this country sense
You don't be- bloody - long!