Flying Too Close

Icarus ignored advice And flew too near the sun. His wings of wax began to melt And soon his flight was done. Since I am here at altitudes Which cause the skin to bake, I should look back to Icarus And not make his mistake. By slathering the sunscreen on Or staying in the shade, I could prevent the tragic error Icarus had made. Yet sitting on the terrace With the Rockies smack in view, I'm soaking up the sunshine Which I know I shouldn't do. I won't stay very long out here. I'm sure I won't get burned; But now I see why humans Don't absorb what they have learned. The lessons gleaned from history Or myths provide advice, So easily ignored until We mortals pay the price.