Clyde was installing paneling,
refurbishing the living room.
His twelve-year-old son asked to help.
“Sure! With two working, this job will just zoom.”

About the fourth sheet to be nailed,
his son’s hammer slipped, gouging the wall.
“Jeez, that’ll leave a permanent mark!
How dumb. You’re worthless. No good at all.”

As his son walked away, head bowed,
Clyde shouted “Messing up is your trademark.”
His wife gently said “Remarks so hurtful, so snide,
on our son will leave a permanent mark…”