A music store he visited;
a trumpet was his goal.
And then, alas, he broke the glass!
That horn, his father stole!

Now Louis had his vocal tool.
Through this, he could be heard.
He practiced, hence, with diligence.
He wouldn't be deterred!

This instrument came, none too soon;
His verbal needs had grown.
And through this horn, true love was sworn.
Without it, she'd ne'er known.

Not only did this trumpet
let him speak expressively,
fate did compel...he play it well;
a music swan, was he!

But Louis was an honest swan.
This vow he therefore made:
His father stole to make him whole;
that debt must be repaid!

He soon procured a paying job.
His savings, upward, lept.
And to insure it stayed secure,
around his neck 'twas kept.

This pouch, he carried always;
it contained the cash he earned.
For, in this quest 'twas prob'ly best
to trust himself, he learned.

Yes, Louis was a thankful swan.
He knew it night and day.
He could orate, articulate
and music he could play.

But carrying this cargo was
no burden which was slight.
It interferes! His lucky peers
all got to travel light.

A trumpet dangled from his neck;
his money bag, his chalk
were all among the group which hung
and clanged when he would walk.

Possessions mean much vigor,
t'wards their caring, one expends.
It can be tough t'need so much stuff;
to weigh one down, it tends!

This swan felt quite encumbered
by these things he owned and used;
so unlike us! It's humorous!
Who's knowing? Who's confused?

Our culture stresses: More is Best!
Of this, there's little doubt.
It must be true, this widespread view.
So, to it, we're devout!

It's rare to find a character
who touts, so openly,
the gain in less. And f'you possess,
it's due adversity!

But Louis was, alas, a swan;
his brain like any birds.
No worldly thought he'd e'er begot!
Why listen to his words?

Should views from "lower" forms of life
be given any heed?
Is not just man, alone who can
express a thoughtful creed?

And children's books tell stories
just to keep kids entertained!
Their cost is cheap. They help kids sleep.
No "deep" thoughts are contained!

We "grown-ups" are so well informed.
We think we are so wise.
If one will look, a children's book
can ably sermonize!

I'm pleased, these lessons, I've been shown
and can appreciate.
You teachers knew that this was true.
I'm just a little late.

And there are those, like Louis,
who do bear a heavy load.
My need for less ain't cleverness.
God's grace has been bestowed.

So maybe as my hands are free,
assistance, I can lend.
I'm capable, if hands are full,
of helping, as a friend.

Yes, compound interest, APR's
and stocks and bonds, I know.
But time'n again compassion's been
a realm where I've been slow.