On Being Prepared

There be toils aplenty in this life
For which the wary may prepare.
Like when your Mom warned you
To be sure and wear clean underwear.
Like saving for that rainy day
When rations ferret short supply,
Or soldiers never questioning
Why they must keep their powder dry.

Paths grow feet,
And streams bend swift
To seek the seas of distant lands,
And Perseus must watchful be
With sturdy sword and shield in hand.
And every child of every child
Must listen to the zephyr winds
To learn the truth of nature’s call
And know the seeds where day begins.

Wouldst in twilight bold advance,
Or in the eyes of darkness stare
Without the prudence of a plan?
Without the forethought to prepare?

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