I'm Seamus Burke from Ballymuck
a fortunate gombeen.
I try to guarantee my luck
by wearing shades of green
*
This thing called serendipity
confounds my addled brain.
I gasp with incredulity
the notion’s quite insane.
*
To go through life expecting chance
to grab you by the throat
seems such a very passive stance,
it doesn’t float my boat.
*
The scales of fortune, seems to me,
are waiting to be tipped.
I try to shape my destiny
my fate begs to be gripped.
*
Whilst walking down the sidewalk grey,
square flags beneath my feet;
I stride in my peculiar way,
the cracks I always cheat.
*
And when a ladder comes in view
I see it as a trap.
I never choose to walk straight through,
my brain says, “mind the gap!”
*
I watch for special integers
sweet seven is just great.
though days when fate is in reverse,
I favour number eight.
*
As I lack confidence today,
erosive doubts intrude.
I hear my inner guardian say,
“why don’t you knock on wood?”
*
To face the world with head held high
I wear my em'rald suit.
Affixed to my left lapel I
display a rabbit’s foot.
*
My self-belief begins to swell,
it shouldn't be a shock.
Since pinned to my right-hand lapel:
a four-leafed green shamrock.
*
But do these aids to life success
just banish my self-pity?
Or should I count myself twice blessed
by serendipity?
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