HAVE THE COURAGE TO SAY NO

You're starting today on Life's journey,
Alone on the highway of life.
You'll meet with a thousand temptations,
Each city with evil is rife.
This world is a stage of excitment,
There's danger wherever you go,
But if you are tempted in weakness,
Have courage, my boy, to say no.
The siren's sweet smile may allure you,
Beware of her cunning and art.
Whenever you see her approaching,
Be guarded and haste to depart.
The billiard saloons are inviting,
Decked out in their tinsel and show.
Should you be invited to enter,
Have the courage, my boy, to say no.

Be careful in choosing companions,
Seek only the brave and the true;
And stand by your friends when in trial,
Ne'er changing the old for the new;
And when by false friends you are tempted
The taste of the wine cup to know,
With firmness, with patience and kindness,
Have the courage, my boy, to say no!

The bright sparkling wine may be offered,
No matter how tempting it be,
From poison that stings like an adder,
My boy, have the courage to flee.
The gambling halls are before you,
Their lights, how they dance to and fro;
You may be invited to enter;
Do have courage, my boy, to say no.

In courage alone lies your safety,
When you the long journey begin,
And trust in your heavenly Father
Will keep you unspotted from sin.
Temptations will go on increasing,
As streams from a rivulet flow.
But if you are true to your manhood,
You'll have the courage, my boy, to say no.


- Anon. http://www.nyobbc.org/poems/sayno.htm