Front and Center

[Posted by Ted H]

I have no idea how this poem wasn't posted yet. I searched the archives a few times and came up empty, so I'm just assuming that I never got around to it despite it being one of my older works that I'm pretty happy with.
So I guess I've found a good bit of filler for now...

Fun facts: "Fat Lady Rolling Down a Steep Hill" was published in some dinky lil book back in 2006 that you'll probably never find. I have a copy of that collection. About a year later, I authorized "Front and Center" to get a similar honor, but I didn't bother getting a copy.

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[Front and Center]

Stand front and center
Yet turn around.
Don't be reserved
Yet make no sound.
Be steadfast and strong
Yet not overbearing.
Don't be so worrisome
Yet always be caring.
Try to keep loose
Yet always say 'mister.'
Don't stand in shadows
Yet do like your sister.
Never back down
Yet never fight.
Go find your friends
Yet stay within sight.
Go and seek love
Yet never forget,
If they're not approved
You shall regret.
Your whole life awaits,
Many paths to pursue,
Yet only make the choice
Preordained for you.