Category: Advice

Don’t let it get you dowm, old friend–
You can lick this trivial, rum thing.
I’ll fill your cup; I’ll back you up.
(Also, it could be, I’ll learn something)

by Ray Romine Tuesday, August 21, 1951

Dear Chap who writes his views upon his envelope’s outside:
I can’t ignore you longer, although Heaven knows I’ve tried;

You ask why I don’t ride a bike to rest my feet and stuff:
I got me one I ride to work and back and that’s enough.

About the hot and hungry, Barb is very seldom home
Along about the time I pass, so I just sweat and foam;

Of course, now, if she WERE at home, without a single doubt,
She’d gladly pass me pop and cokes and clean the ice-box out.

You speak of slushy letters–why, my laddie, don’ ya know
I never take THAT KIND to her–NO POSTMAN is THAT SLOW!

You see, old boy, on all you chaps I have the inside track:
I CENSOR all her LETTERS, GOING OUT or COMING BACK!!

–That Mailman!

by Ray Romine Tuesday, July 27, 1943

Do that again, my friend, and I
Can hardly let the thing go by.
Punishment is surely slated;
Retaliation indicated.
I’ll stare you down; eye you askance;
And give you, likely–one more chance?

by Ray Romine Tuesday, May 13, 1952

I tell you, surely as I live,
I’m absolutely positive–
But take no steps; don’t pull the curtain
Until, of course, you know for certain.

by Ray Romine Wednesday, April 9, 1952

Like Mother’s dopes, which, she had hopes,
Would fire a sluggish liver,
You’ll find advice is only nice
As it affects the giver.

by Ray Romine Saturday, October 5, 1946

Why suffer glitter and gloss?
Or countenance sparkle and shine?
For can they conceal the dross?
Or coat with glamor the swine?

Who, though, would trade romance
For the bare, drab essence of life?
And who, if he had the chance ,
Would exchange a dream for strife?

Better read the story and smart
Than live it–and bear the scar;
Would you give up an actor’s part
For things as they really are?

Let life have a roseate breath!
And emphasize color and sheen!
What matter true values at death?
Just cherish the moments between.

by Ray Romine Wednesday, September 4, 1946

“How foolish you were,” brings on me
Gales of silent laughter.
How worthwhile such advice would be
Before, instead of after.

or:

“How foolish that was,” said to me
Meets with silent laughter.
How sage such sound advice would be
Before, instead of after.

by Ray Romine Friday, October 12, 1945

Those who object
To a little noise
Made all of it
When they were boys.

And those whom gossip
Really thrills
Did pretty well
When they were girls.

The short aad lesson
Age will bring:
Do not object
To anything.

by Ray Romine Wednesday, May 9, 1951

Don’t believe a thing you hear–
This is an election year.

Candidates are full of promises
And lengthy sentences without comises.

“All men truly free and equal”–
(With the tax-bill as the sequel)

It should curl the straightest hair,
All that rarified hot air.

View with scorn, or point with pride,
Concede no inch to the Other Side.

This is an election year–
Don’t believe a thing you hear!

by Ray Romine Wednesday, July 14, 1948