'Faith', 'Hope' & 'Charity'

"Don't believe anything you hear
And only half of what you see."
That was the one memorable piece of advice
My Dad ever gave to me,
Which explains a lot about my life
And my cynical philosophy:
Faith is for the ignorant crowd
Who are happy not being free.

"Always wear clean underwear
And carry a handkerchief."
That was all my dear old Mum
Ever impressed upon me as belief;
Just in case a bus knocked me down
Or a runny nose needed relief:
Hope is pointless in a world
Where you are bound to come to grief.

"Keep a carrier bag in your pocket, lad;
You never know what someone might give you."
That was my Granddad's original saying;
A man who would curse, then forgive you.
Beneath his gruff exterior
Beat a hard heart filled with virtue:
Charity began with the coppers in his pocket.
God bless you, Gramps; I miss you.