Swing the lead
Play it for dead;
Keep a lowly profile
Life is no featherbed,.
Don’t stick your head,
As Joe Soap said,
Above the parapet,
Lest you have it shot at.
Lie very low
Avoid life’s blows
And play the game ‘Dead Donkey’.
The pointed arrows
Of outrageous fortune.
And be afraid,
For life is out to get you.
Let that Sea of Fortune
Be forever calm.
No good at last,
With chances past,
To count the cost
When all is lost.
Best play your cards
Close to your chest;
Hide those better feelings.
Be self-indulgent,
Go with your better judgement.
Leave other hearts to their bleeding.
Roland's Ragbag 