WISDOM

By Mark Young

A wise man once gave me some advice,
But I did not heed it until it was too late.
This was because he appeared to be a bum covered with lice.
In hind-sight, I realize these things have to be fate.

The bum's filthy torn clothes and odoriferous essence
Effectively disguised his knowledge from experience
In a brown crumpled sack he had a bottle of rum,
I knew I did not want anything to do with this bum.

He was sitting on the sidewalk
And stood up to block my path, so he could talk.
When he spoke, saliva hit my cheek
I controlled myself and tried not to freak.

Son, keep this advice in your head;
Or someday you'll wish you were dead!

Beer before liquor
Never sicker
Liquor before beer
Have no fear.

Son, I have given you precious advice,
Some gratuity in return would be nice.
Please lend me a buck;
I have had a streak of bad luck.

I gave him a dollar to be polite;
I just wanted him out of my sight.
Then I continued on my way
Without the slightest delay.

Three weeks later I turned the big TWO-ONE.
I knew that night would be tons of fun.
I had forgotten the bum's advice.
Believe me, I paid the price.

Most of the early morning
While conscious I was mourning.
I kneeled before the porcelain goddess
And begged for deliverance.

I could hear bells in my ears
All because I had mixed liquors and beers.
I should have heeded the wise man's advice
For my ignorance I was paying the price

Copyright 1995 Mark Young

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