Classic Poem

Listen, boys, I want to tell you,
While to you I have the chance to speak,
While you are in the bloom of childhood,
While the rose blooms in your cheek,
Be not idle, be not wasteful,
But be diligent instead,
Save your pennies, they'll make dollars,
Listen, boys, to what I've said.

Thrift and energy linked with labor
Are sure to bring a just reward,
Round by round “you mount a ladder,”
Step by step you cross a road,
Then let sun rise find you stirring,
Let morning breezes fan your head,
And save your pennies, they'll make dollars,
Hear me, for that's what I said.

If you stand alone, stand in your manhood,
Stand for justice and for right,
Goodness clads a man with honor,
Money clothes a man with might;
Then if you see a brother sinking,
Save him, help him lift his head,
Show that you've a heart within you,
Filled with love, that's what I-said.