A Job

My dad told me "I think I've got you a job!"
"Good!" I thought "I could earn a few bob."
For this job, boy had to be twelve;
Being tall, they didn't really delve.

I'd be a newsagent's delivery lad.
As the newcomer my route was bad.
The shop, town end of the Duke's street,
Where the road and Bishop's Hill meet.

The rounds, on houses opposite Margaret Catchpole pub.
To start it from shop up a huge hill, there's the rub.
As the shop was three miles from my home,
Looked for a newsagent nearer, less to roam.

Found one near the St Augustine's church, Felixstowe road.
The snag being for an extra bob, we were delivering double the load.
Delivering mostly was not too bad; papers in a canvas sack.
Not slung; to door, insert, and then walk back.

Vicious dogs, they were a nasty pox;
Tough to reach the letter box.
Such dogs should be locked in the back,
Not place poor paperboys on the rack.

But we paperboys knew a thing or two.
After being attacked, well, wouldn't you?
Sometimes the dog would be kept inside.
A chance like this, we didn't let ride.

We'd put the paper halfway in the stop and hold;
Dog would go mad, snap at it, show it was so bold.
That day the paper could not be read,
Dog had ripped it into a shred!

On Thursdays we could not ride and post.
The Listener, Radio Times, delivered to most.
Our bags were full, placed on bike's handle bars.
Had to do two trips; delivery lasted for hours.

Sundays were almost just the same,
But Saturdays they really spoilt our game.
On this day we had to collect the dosh
From council houses, an' the what's posh!

Some customers were always out that day,
But we knew, we'd see the curtain sway!
Others always had some excuse,
Reasons they couldn't pay were so abstruse.

Perhaps if late, or hadn't collected enough,
The newsagent would often cut up rough.
But we'd pay him back for the slight pain
By leaving his paper rack out in the rain.

When raining, knock over the paper stand,
Soaking wet papers, we'd all feel grand!
All this took place before breakfast and school,
But with some money earn't we felt cool.

Two thirds of the money into the coffers went
To helping out mum, I felt like a grown up gent.