Advice When I was young, and knew it all, My father somehow had the gall, To tell me I had much to learn, My knowledge didn’t cause the earth to turn. Of course I never listened much, That vanity of mine was such, That I couldn’t credit that old gent, With wisdom and accomplishment. I hadn’t then the sense to see, That all of his advice to me, Was good and wise, but now I know, I wish that I could tell him so. "Son," he’d tell me, in his slow way, "Don’t talk ‘til you’ve got things to say, Which shows that though you still are young, Your mind has caught up to your tongue." "If you wish to show intelligence, Make sure that what you say makes sense, For later, you may feel regret, When you say things you’ve not thought of yet." "Set for yourself a goal, a plan, To make yourself the kind of man, Who tries the best that he knows how, To fulfill each and every vow." "Love your God, and love your land, And when it’s time to make a stand, Remember those who made you free, By paying for your liberty." "Downpayment was their blood, you know, On the purchase price of freedom, so, Be sure that they can count on you, When payment once again is due." "Find for yourself a mate, a wife, To give you joy, and share your strife, Whose gentle touch, and patient smile, Will make your efforts all worthwhile." "Who’ll give you sons and daughters, too, Whom you can tell, as I’ve told you, You live but once, I know it’s tough, But, if you live it right, once is enough."             -CHARLES F. LOWE