Classic Poem

Since this is a human soul, beware
And touch it not with a careless hand;
Its life is long, give light and air,
And let it live as its laws demand.

I pray you look; it is rare and fine,
An alien flower with an inward glow
It shrinks away from your dark red wine,
And slakes its thirst with the dew and snow.

It is sad and glad; it is young and old;
It loves the cyclone and the sun;
It is like a harp with power untold
That all the winds may play upon.

Since this is a human soul, beware
And touch it not with a careless hand;
Its life is long, give light and air,
And let it live as its laws demand.

I pray you look; it is rare and fine,
An alien flower with an inward glow
It shrinks away from your dark red wine,
And slakes its thirst with the dew and snow.

It is sad and glad; it is young and old;
It loves the cyclone and the sun;
It is like a harp with power untold
That all the winds may play upon.