You’ve known me longer than anyone
seen my ups and downs
and downs
and downs…
Of all those stupid things I’ve done
You’ve been there for most of them.

You’re in a position that I do not admire
to have experienced so many
of my myriad embarrassments

so close

so well.

You have forgiven me everything
– so far as I know
but you haven’t done enough to effect change.

Stop me before I dumb again.

If you see me heading to the bridge
or the river
or the roof…
engage me.
If you hear me saying
"Everybody else is doing it,
why can’t we?"

explain to me.

Speak slowly;
I may not get it at first
or on second
or third base.

Make sure I understand before you let me go.

Stop me before I dumb again.

Protect me from the world outside
and the thoughts inside my stupid head.

Ensure that I avoid
all the inimitable errors
I commit consistently.

Keep me away from sharp objects
and blunt objects

and other objectively dangerous things.

It’s OK to patronize.
It’s all right to insult.

It’s fine if you hurt my feelings
so long as you stop me from getting hurt

from harming others

or discovering I have overspent.

Stop me before I dumb again.

Shackle me.
Shame me.
Blame me for past offenses.

Train me from repeating them.

Make me understand what I’ve done

– for I can’t.
I’m not smart enough.

I’m not responsible.

Make me responsible.

You can help me.

You can do it, man.

Please,
please PLEASE
stop me before I dumb again.