Classic Poem

As is water in a dish,
be it square or round,
Shaped according to that form,
by that nature bound;
So is man by those with whom
keeps he company
Shaped and moulded good or ill
for eternity.

E'en as the hands of time,
in their ceaseless circles,
Moment by moment measure
unending ages;
The mind of man, in ceaseless
endeavor striving,
Will reap at last in infinite
lore its wages.

Better than thyself select
friends of noble part,
Emulate their virtue true
from a sincere heart;
Spur thy spirit's lagging steed
over wisdom's height,
Using them to strengthen thee
unto greater might.