Boy —
if you’re gonna dip your bucket in this well,
you better be prepared to drink long and deep.
I’m no short sip,
no knockin’ one back with the boys.
I could drown you —
leave you in a sodden heap,
leave you weepin’ with regret.
But you got a real thirst?
One that makes you think you’re gonna die
if you don’t get a drink?
Sure, you come to me.
I got waters so sweet
you’ll think you’re the nectar-drunk honeybee.
You’ll think the sun shines outta your fingertips.
And I’ll let you know
that you’re not wrong.
Hey, boy —
don’t you understand?
You can’t draw water from a well
with vanity or casual demand.
That little tin can you carry
won’t do a bucket’s work,
and strut won’t make a boy a man.
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