Advice to My Mother

Joe, Middlebury, CT 8'12

Ten years ago, Joe sent me this email as I packed my gear to head to Skydive Sebastian in Florida to attend a week long training camp sponsored by Skydive University. 

I love him so!  And, I know you do, too...

From:   m_garassino@sacredheart.edu 

To:  doreeng@nsiserv.com

Subject:  HAVE FUN

02/25/2003 03:53 PM

What's up MOM, sorry i havent been replying to your e-mails. I gotta start checkin it more. Im doing fine, just a little tired from pullin an all nighter for a philosophy test. I just heard this poem in Literature class and liked it a lot and thought you might.

Advice to My Son

-by Peter Meinke

The trick is, to live your days

as if each one may be your last

(For they go fast, and young men lose their lives

in strange and unimaginable ways)

but at the same time, plan long range

(For they go slow: if you survive

the shattered windshield and the bursting shell

you will arrive

at our approximation here below

of heaven or hell).

To be specific, between the peony and the rose

plant squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes;

beauty is nectar

and nectar, in a desert, saves-

but the stomach craves stronger sustenance

than the honied vine.

Therefore, marry a pretty girl

after seeing her mother;

speak truth to one man,

work with another;

and always serve bread with your wine.

But, son,

always serve wine.

I GUESS IT WOULD ALSO WORK CALLED ADVICE TO MY MOTHER.  BUT HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE IN FLORIDA.  BE SAFE.  PULL ON TIME.  BUCKLE UP.  DON'T GET SUNBURNT.  AND DONT FORGET TO HAVE FUN.  LOVE, JOE