It’s crucial, kids, to honor your elders
and those who’ve lent their support.
It’s key for gaining acceptance for all
the meanings you shall purport!
You’ll win life over, first through a halting,
then a boundless gratitude.
False insularity can lead a person
to sulk and fret and brood.
The world is a broadly accepting place,
though much depends upon you.
It offers itself for us to establish,
to summon, to construe.
You’ll know no bounds if early on
you establish a habit of thanks.
That other path will lead you to that
sad circle of elderly cranks.
To all those who’ve helped me reach these rare heights
of grandeur and elation:
I wish I had been more demonstrative
in my appreciation!