When Facing the World

             Ignore the whacky, the silly and dumb

Avoid the clever, the boring, ho-hum,

Find a friend in yourself, they’ll stay to the end

They won’t fall behind or go out round the bend,

Take their advice, they know what they’re saying

Leave time for fun, they’re best when they’re playing,

Don’t let them write poems, at this they’re not good

Keep things away made of metal or wood –

They can’t fix your plumbing, or work on your car

Trust, if they do – you won’t get too far,

Feed them potatoes, not chocolate, or coke

But don’t let them drink or light up a smoke,

Show them good manners when out in a crowd

It’s fine if they burp – but not very loud,

Dress them up casual, make sure they shave

        Remember between you, you’re the one that 

        is brave.