American Tao -- no. 9 (for Jake)

Perhaps you will not

always be in a position

to follow your dream.

Put your head down,

pick your way forward,

scratch and claw

when you must.

Money is not real

and a pension can be

a death sentence.

Be your own man.

Be happy at your job.

Be true to your beliefs.

And know that you will

always be my beloved.