A DASANG TO MICHAEL PHELPS!

HEY, MICHAEL PHELPS!
e.melig industan (02/06/2009)

There you were, pumping fist and yells.
At the tank, you’re a dolphin kicking
…Smoothly with your heels. The fastest!
And the world had watched you in awe.

You’re a hero, a role model to many.
They buy goods when your face is on it.
They worship you like a demigod of old.
And money pours in like rain. Splendid!

But hey!
Bear in mind, fame makes one’s head swells.
And the money makes one’s judgment fails.
Hey!
Think twice when you try something new.
Think twice before you flip with what’s new.

When it’s winter to many, it’s summer to you.
Many bundle up at home; you unwind out.
Money pampers you to wriggle at wee hours.
Think! Home is wholesome; outdoor’s full of snares.

Time immemorial, money isn’t real friend.
He lets you own everything, but screws you later.
He makes you famous; later infamous…
For wrong judgment on what to do follows.

Hey!
Look at O.J., Montgomery and Jones.
They were famous. The world caught in awe.
Hey!
Fame and money they have, but see how they end up.
They have both. Both left them scathed.

Oh, fortune! Fortune makes half of a man.
And man’s action will bond to make a whole man.
Oh, Machiavelli, when can these athletes see?
Please tell them, “Prince”, they must understand.

NOTE: 1) Just a Dasang, an experimental performance poetry, patterned after the Higa-onon tribe hortatory discourse to remind Michael and the other famous athletes to think twice before they do something stupid.
2) Also, my new book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses, which is available for purchase on Comfort Publishing online store, can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Target. A super gift book year-round.