Life's Instructions

I'm just a shell of my former life.
I guess my worth is nil.
We don't know what discarded means,
Until you're over the hill.

Sometimes they leave you on a path well worn,
Placed on a forgotten shelf.
It doesn't matter where you're left,
You're always by yourself.

Without any windows or top or sides,
And no handles for my doors,
For now I'll leave you guessing,
Of how I looked before.

You see me face down by the rivers shore.
They knew I couldn't float.
Just because I'm at the water's edge,
Don't mistake me for a boat.

Like pirates of old on islands in tropics,
They'd bury hidden treasure.
Like pirates today in the land of these robbers,
They'll steal beyond all measure.

So follow life's instructions.
Take from living all you can afford.
Your honor in helping others,
Will be your eternal reward.