I must have been a magnet to entice
the troubles on each mischief ladder rung.
I heard my mother older give advice
to have your children now while you are young.

I must have been a care when out about
bereft of need to know the other's heart.
My mother told the hurt who felt cut out
once part of family then always part.

I must have seemed a luck who lacking range
bestrode his narrow world a self-crowned king.
When loath to act just know that things will change
so never say you will not do a thing.

I was a busy worker often stressed,
recalling Mother's saying, get more rest.

- Robert Stone, 13 May 2012