Rio is a cat who loves playing outside but always says "no" when other animals try to come inside or when it's time to stop playing. Throughout the day, Rio is chased by his sister Mimi and enjoys being outside, but gets upset when Mimi spills milk on him. By the end of the day, both Rio and Mimi are tired from playing but Rio is still saying "no," enjoying being in charge and having the last word.

1. Rio Says No..
Poem by
JW Nelson

2. It was a very fine day
The cats and dogs are out to play
Wherever they went, wherever they’d go
Rio’s answer to them coming in, was always the same – No!
Rio loved little animals like birds
He loved the sounds that he heard
Whistling high, whistling low
At the end of the day Rio still said No!
Looking out the window, saying ‘outside, outside’
Wherever we hid, there was nowhere to hide
He loved being chased fast and then slow
But when it got too much, Rio said No!

3. When Rio became tired he needed his sleep
We set his alarm on silent so it wouldn’t beep
So much for silence as Rio was awoken by a singing crow
What else could he shout except his favourite word - No!
Refreshed and ready to play, Rio comes downstairs
With a cheeky grin, snotty nose and wild tousled hair
In front of the television watching his afternoon show
It wasn’t the right one so guess what Rio said next – No!
Then the trouble starts when his sister Mimi arrives
Before you know it all we can hear are cries
Mimi stands all innocent – yes she has a halo
Rio knows different and yells out – No!

4. They begin to play nicely as well as can be
Mimi has a peace offering – make Rio some tea
She takes him to the kitchen where milk begins to flow
But she spills some on Rio and he can only shout – No!
Rio runs off all upset and wet
Mimi chases Rio to try and repay the debt
Mum intervenes but keeps her voice low
Rio looks up at her murmurs – Mia No!
Mum sends them outside to let off some steam
Two happy children, a joy to been seen
Inside their playhouse putting on a show
Rio in his element still called out No!

5. Rio smiled and laughed and giggled
Enjoying having his tummy and back tickled
By his big sister Mimi in a dress with a bow
But before Rio could utter another word – Mia said No!
Dad calls them inside, it is time for tea
It’s been a long day for Rio and his sister Mimi
They’ve done a lot, with Rio keeping Mia in tow
We’ll wait for the next time when Rio says...No!
JW Nelson
July 2012