LITTLE children, you must seek Rather to be good than wise, For the thoughts you do not speak Shine out in your cheeks and eyes. If you think that you can be Cross or cruel, and look fair, Let me tell you how to see You are quite mistaken there. Go and stand before the glass, And some ugly thought contrive, And my word will come to pass Just as sure as you're alive! What you have, and what you lack, All the same as what you wear, You will see reflected back; So, my little folks, take care! And not only in the glass Will your secrets come to view; All beholders, as they pass, Will perceive and know them too. Goodness shows in blushes bright, Or in eyelids dropping down, Like a violet from the light; Badness, in a sneer or frown. Out of sight, my boys and girls, Every root of beauty starts; So think less about your curls, More about your minds and hearts. Cherish what is good, and drive Evil thoughts and feelings far; For, as sure as you're alive, You will show for what you are. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CAESAR'S LOST TRANSPORT SHIPS by ROBERT FROST LIVE AND HELP LIVE by EDWIN MARKHAM THANATOPSIS by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT PARAPHRASE ON THOMAS A KEMPIS by ALEXANDER POPE THE MILL by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON |