4x4=16

Young fathers heave paunches

occasionally behind the airbag,

ear slugs dug in.

I-pods bursting with pop,

with fifty favourite rock tunes,

or the ASDA collection of country music.

Baby basket first, then dogs are lifted

upon reflexive arms-precious cargo

bound for the hold.

Then there are the groceries, filling the hull.

Little blonde-licked boys in blue football strip

Slip into black and chrome S.U.V.s,

With tiny heads, they rule from on high

strapped into bucket thrones.

In four by four carriage they turn slightly to stare

through smoked glass.

Finally, they are disgorged protesting

at pre-school.