Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CUSTOM, by RENE FRANCOIS ARMAND PRUDHOMME


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CUSTOM, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Custom is a stranger bold
Last Line: But in action are but things.
Alternate Author Name(s): Sully-prudhomme
Subject(s): Customs, Social


CUSTOM is a stranger bold,
Who from reason takes the rein;
'Tis a crafty dame and old
Who will in the house remain.

She is humble, close and meek,
Nothing from her sight you screen.
She doth out of notice creep,
And her rule is never seen.

She man's journey surely frames,
Knows the course he fain would steer,
Well knows his unspoken aims;
Whispers low, the way is here.

She works for us silently,
One same path doth ever keep;
Truly watchful is her eye,
Though her lips appear to sleep.

Witless they who by her led
Once are fettered in her chains.
This old dame with even tread
Thenceforth liberty restrains.

And all those her hidden might
Gently in subjection brings,
Living men seem to the sight,
But in action are but things.





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