Conform To the Norm

My Baby: Don't be too quiet, yet don't be too shrill, Don't be too restless, but neither too still, Please grow up hardy, yet soft to the touch, Not seeking too little, nor asking too much. Years later … My Child: Don't be precocious, yet don't be too shy, The middle-sized apple of you father’s eye, Don't be too forthright, nor keep to yourself, Don't be too daring; but care for your health. Years later … My Son: Don't aim too high, nor get stuck in a hole, Nor hang back if offered an uninspired role, Please don't take the high road or even the low, The main road is best ... not too fast or too slow. Years later … My Epitaph: Here lies a man, who knew how to conform, Who never left harbour, for fear of a storm, Avoiding the hot and the cold for lukewarm, In loving, but not too loving, memory, Of your only son ... Norm.