04-17-2019, 05:46 AM
Maxims for My Younger Self
You may not believe most of these, but they
were said by men who went before
and found their way:
First and last, “No time is wasted
that you spend with your parents.” (1)
Then, by a fictional badman, “I’m nice
to be nice to; I’m not nice
not to be nice to.” (2)
Stress the first part!
You’ve already read, “Be more than you seem.” (3)
To which I’d add, and keep quiet about it.
“Do what you think is right, but be prepared
to justify it.” (4)
To which I’d further add, to someone other
than yourself.
And, in view of kids you’ll never have,
this one’s from me: “There are worse things
than getting a little hair in your mouth.” (5)
Now pick yourself up and run, kid. I’ll be
here waiting for you, just us.
You may not believe most of these, but they
were said by men who went before
and found their way:
First and last, “No time is wasted
that you spend with your parents.” (1)
Then, by a fictional badman, “I’m nice
to be nice to; I’m not nice
not to be nice to.” (2)
Stress the first part!
You’ve already read, “Be more than you seem.” (3)
To which I’d add, and keep quiet about it.
“Do what you think is right, but be prepared
to justify it.” (4)
To which I’d further add, to someone other
than yourself.
And, in view of kids you’ll never have,
this one’s from me: “There are worse things
than getting a little hair in your mouth.” (5)
Now pick yourself up and run, kid. I’ll be
here waiting for you, just us.
Non-practicing atheist