warnings of impending doom

you were warned
about so many things as a child.
eating
before swimming,
put your coat on you'll
catch your death
of cold,
don't eat
the yellow snow, avoid
those cracks
on the sidewalk, it
could cause
great pain to your mother
if you step on them.
the ladder,
the black cat.
a broken mirror.
bread and butter must
be said
when splitting the pole
as you walk
with a friend.
and lift those feet
when crossing
the railroad track.
be home before dark,
wash your hands.
and yet somehow you've
made it this
far by breaking
every rule.