Advice from the Old to the Young

I hope you’ve learned the difference
between true and false,
indeterminate stages of maybe,
and to enhance
what you think of as a positive stance,

but are not fooled
by differences you know are skin deep,
false pledges made
meant just to mess with your mind.

Man, as you know,
is a schemer who delights in plots.
Just think of the mysteries you’ve read
and the TV shows
you saw before you were twenty.

Wherever you choose to go,
puzzles will be plenty.
Do your best to be understanding
and to all be kind.

Just remember, you have a good mind.
Still, you’ll make mistakes.
Just learn from them and admit.
It isn’t hard,
if you have no pride to protect.