get serious

they strangle youth
out of you.
it starts early.
never ends.
behave. don't chew gum,
sit up straight.
dot your i's, cross
your t's.
get a job, save money.
do something with your life.
don't be late.
don't waste it
on foolish things.
study study study,
play between the lines
and everything
will be fine.
punch the clock. eat carrots.
make your bed.
pray pray pray
and shovel your walk.
throw salt down.
you can do this, we're
proud of you.
we love you, we want
your life to be serious,
like we are, and shine.