Poems (Angier)/Little Follies

by Annie Lanman Angier

LITTLE FOLLIES.

Little follies—wisdom pleadeth—
 Shun them, for they leave a sting;
Serpent-like, they charm to harm thee,
 Heed not, though the siren sing.

Guard thou well the heart's fair garden,
 Little foxes spoil the vines;
Proudest craft the ocean beareth,
 Smallest insect undermines.

Stately tree, with spreading branches,
 That for years defied the storm;
Conquered, hath at last surrendered
 To the sceptre of a worm.

Castle high to heaven towering,
 Founded firmly on a rock;
Tiny spark may lay in ashes,
 Blackened heaps its glory mock.

Some there are revered in story,
 Honored names of patriot, sage;
Would that stain of little follies
 Sullied not their memory's page.

Friendly warning, sailor heeding,
 Trims the sail, and plies the oar;
Skilful pilot, quicksand clearing,
 Safely gains his bark the shore.

Thus in others' little follies
 Beacon-lights the wise discern;
And by timely watch and caution,
 They to good the evil turn.

"What some call but little follies,
 Foibles, peccadillos slight;
Grievous wrongs in Virtue's eyes are,
 Heinous crimes in Heaven's sight.

Little follies—preacher—hearer,
 Merchant, statesman, artisan;
Spurn their fetters, be true freemen,
 In self-conquest lead the van.

Thus we'll speed the good time coming,
 Eden bliss shall mortals see;
When souls like a polished mirror,
 Image perfect Purity.