Rico's rants: A fluke of the universe

10 March 2012

A fluke of the universe

The following poem was not found in an old Baltimore church:

You are a fluke
of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
Deteriorata! Deteriorata!
Go placidly
amid the noise and waste.
And remember what comfort there may be
in owning a piece thereof.
Avoid quiet and passive persons
unless you are in need of sleep.
Rotate your tires.
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself
and heed well their advice,
even though they be turkeys.
Know what to kiss, and when.
Consider that two wrongs never make a right
but that three do.
Wherever possible, put people on hold.
Be comforted that in, the face of all aridity and disillusionment
and despite the changing fortunes of time,
there is always a big future in computer maintenance.

You are a fluke
of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
the universe is laughing behind your back.

Remember the Pueblo.
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate.
Know yourself.
If you need help, call the FBI.
Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
especially with those persons closest to you.
That lemon on your left, for instance.
Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
would scarcely get your feet wet.
Fall not in love therefore;
it will stick to your face.
Gracefully surrender the things of youth:
the birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan
And let not the sands of time
get in your lunch.
Hire people with hooks.
For a good time call 606-4311;
ask for "Ken."
Take heart amid the deepening gloom
that your dog is finally getting enough cheese.
And reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot
it could only be worse in Milwaukee.

You are a fluke
of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
the universe is laughing behind your back.