The Instructions

"In this text, the wise old Shuruppak . . . counsels his son, Ziusudra. . . . who survived the Deluge."

In those
In those far remote
In those
In those faraway

In those
In those years
The wise one who knew
How to speak

With elaborate repetition
With
Words lived in the land
Gave instructions

To his son
To his son
Never his daughter
The wise one

My son!
My son!
The instructions
Of an old man

Are specious
You should try
A little
To comply

Don't buy a donkey
That brays
It will split
Your sides

Don't locate a field
On a highway
Don't dig a well
People damage those

Don't build in town
There's always a crowd
Don't vouch for anyone
It makes you responsible

Don't let anyone
Vouch for you
That one will
Despise you

Don't inspect
Anyone's wisdom
The flood will give
Spit back at you