Early Learning

With Wobbly Steps

with apologies to Sir Philip Sidney

With wobbly steps, O Youth, thou climb'st the stairs!
How clumsily and with how red a face!
What! Dost thou trip and fall about the place
and pray thy folks sleep soundly, unawares?
Perhaps thy little brother who now sees
thee fall can be persuaded not to race
and broadcast to the house thy plunge from grace.
To him, thou could'st give money and say "PLEASE!"
Now, in thy shameful state, O Youth, pray tell,
whil'st thou cling to the handrail, bleary-eyed,
are friends thou partied with, like thee, unwell—
in fear, lest their condition be descried?
    Those youth who guzzle beer in lieu of milk
    will bring ignominy on all their ilk.

by Janice Canerdy

in volume 4 issue 2

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