Classic Poem

Life is teeming with evil snares,
The gates of sin are wide,
The rosy fingers of pleasure wave,
And beckon the young inside.
Man of the world with open purse,
Seeking your own delight,
Pause ere reason is wholly gone—
Where is your boy tonight?

Sirens are singing on every hand,
Luring the ear of youth,
Gilded falsehood with silver notes
Drowneth the voice of truth.
Dainty ladies in costly robes,
Your parlours gleam with light,
Fate and beauty your senses steep—
Where is your boy tonight?

Tempting whispers of royal spoil
Flatter the youthful soul
Eagerly entering into life,
Restive of all control.
Needs are many, and duties stern
Crowd on the weary sight;
Father, buried in business cares,—
Where is your boy tonight?

Pitfalls lurk in the flowery way,
Vice has a golden gate:
Who shall guide the unwary feet
Into the highway straight?
Patient worker with willing hand,
Keep the home hearth bright;
Tired mother, with tender eyes—
Where is your boy tonight?

Turn his feet from the evil paths
Ere they have entered in;
Keep him unspotted while yet ye may!
Earth is so stained with sin;
Ere he has learned to follow wrong,
Teach him to love the right;
Watch ere watching is wholly vain—
Where is your boy tonight?