for the love you'll
be craving, but
don't take what comes
either, or you'll
take it to your grave.
It's just as important
to speak your mind
as it is to speak politely,
but never say excuse me
when I'm sorry's what
you mean to say.
And when the ones in charge
begin to spurn you—
when they assure you
you're dust,
and to dust you
shall return,
only to pivot
and ask for
cash and sympathy—
try not to laugh in their
mortuary faces;
just say
I'm sorry—
then turn
and walk away.
