They are not a gift you receive,
They cannot be borrowed or bought.
It's your character, would you believe,
Or have you given it any thought.

You get them as you're being raised,
Or learn them on your own.
A well mannered person is highly praised.
Ill mannered people are left alone.

A lack of manners is very rude.
A mannerless person may not realize,
The extent to which they are crude.
Sometimes we must open their eyes.

Inmates often know of respect,
Not many of them have manners.
They're criminals, what do you expect,
Business suits and Day Planners?

Many times they have to fight,
Because of a lack of manners.
Not easy for them to see the light.
You have to wave them banners.

Good manners will make people smile.
They help make a good impression.
Without them you are most likely vile.
And often cause oppression.

Bad mannered people are often unwelcome.
They're usually tolerated for a while.
I wish they'd all go learn some,
And give us reason to smile.

Criminals have common characteristics.
Lack of education and manners are two.
Their lacking adds to our statistics,
Making things rough for me and you.

Written 10-18- 09