Never Drink form the Punch Bowl

Don't get sloshed on the punch of bias and prejudice. It's a lousy hangover, trust me.

***

The moment you’re born, the music starts playing,

welcoming you with tears and laughter,

all the moments in between,

the party has begun.

If I could offer you this piece of advice:

While at the party, never drink from the punch bowl.

Some parties might have a cover charge,

some might not.

Some might have dress codes,

some wave you in with "come as you are.”

Dress codes might vary,

but remember, everybody wears their personal brand of insecurities,

even you.

Regardless of the dress code or whatever insecurities you wear,

never let them influence you to drink from the punch bowl.

You might be the early bird to the party,

where it’s just you and the DJ,

stroll in fashionably late to the strobe lights.

Either way, your timing is your own.

Maybe you’re the wallflower,

perhaps you're the spark that sets the party ablaze,

the life of the party,

nonetheless, what really matters is that you showed up.

But never forget that you bring the most priceless gift,

yourself.

While at the party, make your way through the crowd, or not.

Familiar faces will welcome you,

as will that guy who never remembers your name,

but always has a joke to share.

Strangers will receive you with a smile; some may not,

but amidst the noise and the laughter,

remember, not everyone will genuinely understand you.

So share your stories and listen to theirs.

Enjoy the company, the music, and the dance.

And when it comes time to leave, do so gracefully,

say your goodbyes.

Whether you leave early or the one who helps to clean up,

eventually you’ll have to leave the dance floor.

Some may remember you, some may not,

but the one thing for sure that will be said about you,

you never took a sip from the punch bowl.

***

In this party called life, make every moment count. But always remember, the punch bowl isn't your friend.

This poem is inspired by "Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young," written by columnist Mary Schmich but better known as “Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen” or simply the Sunscreen song by Baz Luhrmann, who got permission from Mary Schmich to use it as a song.

If you’re a Gen Xer like myself, then you’re well aware of it.

Although I used the metaphor of a party to represent life’s journey, its various challenges and phases, and how to navigate them, I’m not sure if this is a metaphorical or allegorical poem.

Then again, it might be didactic poetry as it also offers advice to not "drink from the punch bowl."

Even so, it could also be a narrative poem. In any case, I’m not a poet and don't know much about poetry.