Gershon Wolf Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

In honor of my youngest son, Daniel Wolf, on the occasion of his 21st birthday, with tongue planted tenously in cheek...

Coming of Age In America

At age sixteen you can drive a new car
   Although you can't enter (most) taverns or bars 
At sixteen you can even drop out of school
   If that's who you really think you are

At age eighteen you can legally cast a ballot
   If you can find a candidate who pleases your palate
You can gamble the night away at a casino
   In Vegas, Monte Carlo, Atlantic City or Reno  

You can even join the army and 'see the world'
   Aleppo, Homs, Kabul, Fallujah, Baghdad 
   Places where your patriotism's forever unfurled

So! What's still left for you at age twenty-one?
   That's right! --The ultimate in 'fun in the sun:'
You can celebrate -- legally -- with five drinks or ten
   And go ahead! Pour yourself another tall one!
   ~ Then go out and buy yourself a brand-new hand-gun!

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Ilene Bauer August 7, 2018 at 4:29 PM happy birthday to your son, gershon! i'm sure he got a kick out of this poem... Gershon Wolf August 7, 2018 at 4:32 PM Thanks, Ilene! And he did get a kick out of it. Just glad he didn't go out and buy that handgun!!! Best wishes, Gershon

Tom Cunningham August 7, 2018 at 2:37 PM Nice verse Gershon, I wish him luck as he heads out on lifes journey and may he stay safe. Tom Gershon Wolf August 7, 2018 at 3:23 PM Thank you, Tom...From your mouth to G-d's ear!! Best wishes, Gershon

Michelle Faulkner August 7, 2018 at 12:47 PM Such an introspective take on the rites of passage from child to adult (with lots of caution thrown in) I hope your son has a happy - and safe- 21st! Gershon Wolf August 7, 2018 at 2:24 PM Thanks, Michelle! I was intrigued by your comment, esp. since this son's plan is to move to Israel and join the army in a year or so. So much for safety, eh?! (Heck, I did the same thing 45 years ago. Only I came back. I think he's planned things out better than I did. So he may well stay). Best always, gw