A Reminder to My Friend the Artistic Genius

Alas, remember this:

No matter how you stand with the common man,

never play God to the mobs.

The temptation is selfism -

Do what you can to stay free from this sin -

Let others in.

If ever you find you don't have the time,

then stop.

We're all that you've got

to hold on to

Fame, fortune, and loving fans mean nothing

if you've lost the key:

Hold on to me.

Lost in the whirlpool, there's no time to decide whatever is best

just follow the tide -

and end up on an island.

It isn't as planned:

The island's unmanned, and you stand there alone -

a long way from home.

You have shunned, stepped on, and denied those who might

rescue you, now.

But how?

You thought you could make the journey alone

Fine!  Now give up the throne.

It isn't for you.

Your time was over as soon as you ignored the truth.

You lost the key:

Please, hold on to me.

There's no justification in the name of the art.

You'll be falling apart

before the year is over.

Don't look for a lover to stay by your side -

She'll be gone with the tide

unless you know what to do:

The key:

Hold on to you.

This isn't a threat, a plea or a promise,

But we are the commas

to shape the lyrics of your life.

Don't give us the knife -

we're not like the others.

We hold the light and the hope of your tomorrow

don't cause us the sorrow

that you've come to ignore.

What's more,

to begin the trip

start the engine of life's bus

with the key:

That's us.

It's a long ride ahead.

Prepare for the worst,

but strive for the best.

Your life is the test.

Don't take advantage of your resources,

then leave them behind.

Hold on to the key:

Make every "I"

"We".

- April 2, 1985, A.D.