Its easy to say that you are not ready when caught off guard

Your defenses are lowered, you did not expect that form of attack

And its best to take everything in your stride

Not showing your bemusement by being light hearted and calm

The knock on the door at the most inconvenient moment

Child who is demanding another piece of the cake

The bill that arrives when the cupboard's bare

Headache that arrives in the middle of the night

Seldom do you have time for even yourself

The arguement that starts from out of thin air

You notice your neighbour having an illicit affair

The politician falls at the height of his power

And you wonder at the absurdity of it all

These are the defining things that make or break a person

So remember to be consistent in all your dealings

Don't rush to judgement, in case you yourself are judged

You can't blame ignorance, when your own heart runs cold

And you shouldn't condemn what you don't understand

Just accept it all gracefully, without giving it a care

Because life is so short, and its your to enjoy

Copyright by Peter Paton 2006