with audio by Jordon Hodges
Legend tells of a wise man, two hundred years old
Who lives high on a mountain in the blistering cold
Young Tim Tock launched his boat from the Gulf of Fern
And sailed across the whole ocean to see what he could learn
After a long voyage and climb up a cold jagged cliff
He found the man’s cabin, just before freezing stiff
His knock soon was answered by the wise man himself
And they sat drinking cocoa by an enormous bookshelf
“I’ve traveled very far to see what you can teach”
To the bearded old man, Tim earnestly did beseech
With his bespectacled eyes and bushy facial hair mane
The wise man got to his feet with the help of his cane
Clearing his throat and preparing for the first time to speak
The wise man took a deep breath that caused the floorboards to creak
“Strive for a balance in everything that you do
Never own three of something if you only need two
“Try not to lie and don’t ever suppose
Don’t bother with any uncomfortable clothes
“’Weird kids’ become the most interesting once they grow up
If that file’s really important always save a backup
“Speak and write correctly: you can say ‘nee-ther’ or ‘nih-ther’
Never go to bed mad, don’t wake up that way either
“If you cross the street in England look left AFTER right
Talking’s the third option, besides fight or flight
“Never arrive late, or settle for being mediocre
Don’t draw to an inside straight, if you play a game of poker
“And the next time you hear of a person you don’t know
Across a vast ocean, past the cold freezing snow…
“High up, far away on a mountain of stone…
Have the good sense to leave him well alone.”
Very well done and enjoyable to read my son!