You Can't Keep a Good Man Down

Now that 2009 is officially "in", I have started setting my reading and writing goals for 2009. The reading goals are not nearly as lofty as last year's, but I'm planning on taking my writing up a notch (which means more late nights and coffee-induced comas). In fact, I'm going whole hog and setting my goal high: I'm going to try to write four new books in 2009.

As for reading, I am hoping to soon receive the collected poems of Robert Service, who is touted as the poet of the Klondike. I can't wait to read "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and other American classics. Old Bob Service is a lot like me . . . I'll just keep spinning yarns and churning out insanity until someone accepts my dementia in full. So, for 2009, here's one of old Toddy's originals for your inspiration. Wrote it in five minutes . . . hope you like it.

You Can't Keep a Good Man Down

There are some who will quit
At the first little bit
Of hardship or worry or frown,
But the guy who'll inspire
Is the one who won't tire,
No, you can't keep a good man down.

Yes, and others grow lax
Once they've hit, or relax
When they've already made their renown,
But the guy who succeeds
Will work while he pees,
No, you can't keep a good man down.

Sure, and others will find
They will tire of the grind
When the boss makes them look like a clown.
But when all's said and done,
The best have their fun.
No, you can't keep a good man down.

By the end of the day
Most guys slip away
And go home to their wearisome town.
But the one who will win
Will never give in.
No, you can't keep a good man down.