To live upon the ragged edge is not a pleasant fate,
You surely lose your balance one day soon or late;
On the ragged edge you suffer one way or another,
And you have the pleasant choice if it be this way or the other.
Live within your means, without such things as make
Your little world worth while to you, and gratification take
In the idea that you’re straight, and owe no man a debt;
That when your little check comes in can’t easily be met.
Or, on the other hand, get all you think you need,
And owe therefor with lordly grace, and to appearances take heed.