Not A Lot Poem by John Yaws

I was never one to seek the classic beauty-
I feel that women are a lot like books.
The things that serve to make a person lovely-
Are found inside, not merely in their looks.

The tender words, the smiles and touch of kindness
The patience with a man who is a fool-
For women grow up much before we men do-
And mature a whole lot younger, as a rule.

I must admit, I've had my share of folly-
To mark the path to manhood that I took-
The scars and wear I've placed upon my body-
To knowing eyes, can be read like a book.

I'd like to think that life has taught me something-
I view the world sometime through cynic's eyes.
I prefer to think that I am realistic-
I scarcely dare to tell you that I'm wise.

But I've survived, in spite of foolish choices-
While many of my peers, I fear, have not.
I guess the school of life has taught something-
But sadly I must say… it's not a lot.