Bryan Austin aka Austin Bryant: Music/Video/Poetry

WHAT NOT TO BE

I grew up looking at those who chose to do right
While looking at those who resisted with all of their might
There were parents who posted cash or put their house up for bail
To keep their children who stayed in trouble, out of the city jail

The parents suffered the most with embarrassment and shame
Knowing the person being locked up was carrying their name
The talks were to no avail as they pleaded until turning blue
Wanting their child to straighten up, by changing a thing or two

With awareness ever present it occurred to me one day
My peers guilty of incorrect behavior were not showing the way
To live morally, ethically, or legally, I could clearly see
Their actions constantly taught me what not to be

A young man had an absentee dad who was always gone
Leaving his wife without support to raise the children all alone
The young man grew up with a hatred he couldn't break free
Until he realized his dad taught him what not to be

I went shopping in this store for the very first time
The manager looked as if I was about to commit a crime
I've always wondered if stereotypical people live in constant misery
I'll never know the answer, but they teach me what not to be

A person cheated on their spouse acting as if they were single
They didn't seem to have a conscious to go outside and mingle
The cheater was caught, a lot of pain followed, not they are free
The extracurricular activity taught me what not to be

Negative behavior is bad but there is one good thing that is clear
Many examples are available for viewing throughout any year
Think about what happens and what it is you can plainly see
Satan always teaches all of us what not to be

P J Smothers All Rights Reserved