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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...INDEPENDENCE DAY, 1956, A FAIRY TALE by JAMES GALVIN A PARADOX by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE GHOST OF DEACON BROWN by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON SPRING WIND IN LONDON by KATHERINE MANSFIELD SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: IPPOLIT KONOVALOFF by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |