Handy Advice

I ran into a guy one day,

When I was feeling down.

He took it on himself to make

A smile of my frown.

He seemed to be a happy guy--

Courteous and nice.

He looked me in the eyes and said,

"Here's some good advice:

"Be kind to others,

And they will be kind to you.

Don't give up on dreams;

There's always a chance they'll come true.

Don't eat too much,

Or you're going to gain weight;

Be heedful of time:

Better early than late.

Watch out whom you vote for,

Or you're going to get screwed.

Don't talk about others;

Such behavior is rude.

Take care of your health,

Or you are going to regret it.

If people try to insult you,

It will only hurt if you let it."

"Tell me more," I said to him;

"Don't keep me in suspense."

His words rang true and definitely

Made a lot of sense.

He closed his eyes, looked down and thought,

And then he raised his head.

He looked me in the eyes again

And this is what he said:

"Live each day to the fullest;

You know you can never repeat it.

Don't start a project

Unless you plan to complete it.

Don't air dirty linen

In public; that's a no-brainer.

Maintain a positive attitude;

Then you'll feel a lot saner.

Be mindful of

What you do and say.

Don't cross your partner,

Or there'll be hell to pay.

Offer help to others--

At least once in a while.

And last of all don't forget

To smile, smile, smile."

We parted ways then--he and I;

My spirits had been raised.

That gentle guy seems to have

Gone through life unfazed.

His words of wisdom resonate

With me; they're a boon.

And so I thought I'd put them

In a catchy tune:

(Repeat)

"Be kind to others…"

Etc., etc., etc…

By Bob B (9-7-14)