Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By John VanceCheney1006 Every One to His Own Way
O
So, farmer, go plant. But the frost—
Beware! the witch o’ the year,
See that her palm be crossed.
The bee is abroad, and the ant;
Spider is busy; ho, farmer, go plant.
So, merchant, rig ship. But the wave—
Beware! salt water can be
A highway, can be a grave.
Bring silks for milady; a trip
For wines and spices; ho, merchant, rig ship.
So, preacher, go preach. But the Book—
Say yea and nay, and no more;
Look to the wording, look.
A heaven and a hell within reach,
’T is one or the other; good preacher, go preach.
Good preacher, have at the mewed folk:
From frost and storm be you free,
And spared That Old Serpent’s joke.
I ’ll sit in my doorway, God please,
Quietly looking between the green trees.