The mother was picking up branches in the garden.
Manly Mack said, ‘Can I help with that?
He didn’t know she could back a trailer by herself.
With skill she positioned it right where she wanted it.

Grandma and the boy were planting a vegetable garden.
Manly Mack said, ‘Can I help with that?’
He didn’t know that they had planted a garden before.
It grew to be a glorious mix of flowers and vegetables.

The girl was painting her bedroom furniture.
Manly Mack said, ‘Can I help with that?’
He didn’t know that she’d already painted her table.
She learnt how to do it by watching YouTube.

That night the mother was mashing the potatoes.
Manly Mack said, ‘Can I help with that?’
He didn’t know she mashed potatoes by herself,
Especially when they had shepherd’s pie.

Next morning the courier came to deliver a parcel.
Manly Mack said, ‘Can I help with that?’
‘Oh no,’ said the driver. ‘I do this all the time.
I’m quicker in my own routine.’

Together the family went shopping for school bags.
Manly Mack said, ‘Can I help with that?’
‘No thanks,’ said the children.
‘We want to check the pockets will hold all our stuff.’

The mother went outside to reset the possum trap.
Manly Mack said, ‘Can I help with that?’
‘I’m fine,’ she said, ‘I know what to do.
We catch possums when you’re not here.’

Finally Manly Mack said,
‘Why don’t any of you need my help?’
The girl said, ‘That’s because you’ve taught us well.
What to do, or how to find out.’

The boy said, ‘We’ve learnt by watching you.
We’ve found the tools to use
And copied what you would do.
We practiced until we could help ourselves.’

The mother heard the kids and said,
‘Sit down Manly Mack you’ve earned a rest.’
And Manly Mack discovered he’d been so busy
He didn’t know how.