Mustard 'And' Pudding? Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Climbing out the crib,
To take care of personal business...
Is taught.
And becomes a necessity.
A work ethic.
A game daily sought to play,
As a way of life to survive.
Thriving on lip does not cut the mustard.

It would be nice to have a team-mate,
To relay strategies.
But when one is taught to win,
Only those accustomed to hitting homeruns...
Get the attention.
Time is rarely given,
To those boasting of what they've done.
Action is the key to unlock doors these days.

'What do you mean by...
Thriving on lip does not cut the mustard? '

Show me your attempts of a wish to succeed.
I don't want to 'hear' about your expectations.
The proof is in the pudding.

'Mustard 'and' pudding?
Ugh!
I can see why you live alone.
That's a little too eccentric for me.'

You are not the one I am soliciting.

'Trust me...
I don't know which one of us is happier.'