Note of caution for a son going off to university

by Jeff Phelps'

Of midnight encounters with the law,
of pubs that lock the inner door,
of too much detergent in the washing machine drawer
be careful.

Of women who say ‘I’ll call you back’,
of botulism, Little Chef, Big Mac,
of dandruff, pyorrhoea, plaque,
be careful.

Of the condom borrowed from a well-meaning friend,
of accelerating into an unlit bend,
of staying at the party till the bitter end,
please, be careful.

When mixing metaphors, mixing drinks,
avenging pranks, creating stinks,
studying all night or unblocking sinks,
at least try to be careful.

Of being self-righteous, intolerant of vice,
of being impatient, of being too nice,
and regarding poems spiked with advice,
son, be careful.

……………………………..

Note of caution for a son going off to university is from Jeff’s poetry collection, Wolverhampton Madonna, published and available from Offa’s Press.

https://offaspress.co.uk/shop/