What My Parents Taught Me

Never lie she told me ,
Be honest, from untruth refrain.
My truthful life would make her proud,
I tell the whole truth no matter the pain.

Never cry, the old man said,
Hide the pain, be a man!
No emotion, laughter, or tear, I shed
And wealth will reward your whole life span.

I carried all these lessons,
these "truths" throughout my life
Passed them on to both my children.
Shared these values with my wife.

Alone in pain, I wait now
Hoping someone will call
But my wife left me 10 years ago
And the children don't visit at all.

I honestly still tell them
Of their choices , what I think
Their anger doesn't phase me
They yell and cry, but I don't blink.

For my mother taught me honesty
My father gave me strength
I wish they both were with me now
I would thank them , at some length.

I'm a wealthy man, successful,
Much admired throughout the land
But I'll give it all to you tomorrow
If, while I die, you'll hold my hand

©William Davis2/14/99