Isn’t It Nice
By JoAnn Abbott
I was frightened, every morning, of the bullies in class
They would punch me, they would trip me, stab their pens in my ass
Steal my money, my new jacket; leave it torn in the trash-
Until the day I got some chocolates for my birthday

Whitman’s sampler- lots of flavors; got a new pet fish too
Read the box of algae killer and I knew what to do
Careful cutting, careful mixing, placed where only I knew
Then I gladly shared the box of candy the next morning

Chorus
And isn’t it nice to have a friend?
To share in the good and the bad times-
To stay with you till the bitter end?
Just remember that it isn’t nice to steal

Nibbled chocolates through the morning, shared with teachers I liked
Only safe ones- I’m not stupid. Kept the ones which were spiked
Then at recess they were waiting, I knew that they would strike
As they knocked me down and ate my box of chocolates.

I wonder if they wondered why
I stayed down and wouldn’t cry
As they smashed the empty box
I tried not to smile!

So I picked up all the pieces as they wandered away
And my secret smile was growing through the rest of that day
I was filled with satisfaction as their faces turned grey
The flashing lights felt almost like a party

And isn’t it nice to be a friend?
To share in the good and the bad times-
To stay with you till the bitter end
Just remember that it isn’t nice to steal

Just remember that it isn’t nice to steal