My mama was the first to teach me... <br />I can always be a better man. <br />And doing that at my own expense. <br />Never to forget... <br />God made me to wear the pants! <br /> <br />And 'if' I decided in my life, <br />To experience any aspect of change... <br />Challenging my brain. <br />Nothing conscious that I did, <br />Should to me be excusable. <br /> <br />If I was not prepared to stand tall... <br />Upfront and honest. <br />No explanations could I give. <br />And leave accusations alone. <br /> <br />'Always be a better man, my son! <br />Through clouds and thunder. <br />Be responsible and accountable. <br />No matter what the pressure you are under. <br />Even in your crawling with eyes glazed... <br />Be good at it! <br />And smile when it rains! '<br /><br />Lawrence S. Pertillar<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/smile-when-it-rains/