I was brought up on a very bourgeois propaganda songbook, Irving Caesar's _Sing a Song of Safety_ (1937):

A boy stood on the railroad tracks, and didn't hear the bell; I'd like to tell you the rest of the tale, But it's too sad to tell, so: Stay away from the railroad tracks, That isn't the place to play; For trains go fast when they go past, And you might be in the way!

Talking to the driver May make him turn his head, He must watch the traffic lights, Are they green or red? People who are walking, He has to watch them, too, But if you keep on talking, He'll be watching you; So try to hold your chatter, Let him concentrate, Does it really matter, Won't your question wait? Try to help the driver, Use some common sense, And you may help to save us From many accidents.

Remember your name and address, And telephone number too, Then if someday you lose your way, You'll know just what to do; Walk up to that kind policeman, The very first one you meet, And simply say, "I've lost my way, I cannot find my street, But I know my name and address, And telephone number too," Then he'll be kind, and help you find The dear ones who wait for you.

--- Joe Fineman    joe_f@verizon.net

||: The difference between people & cats is that cats know what people are for. :||