Sowing Wild Oats. A Poem

'SOWING WILD OATS." BY L. L. GREENE RICHARDS. Yes, boys, you are young, and you have a just right To live lives of freedom and ceaseless delight; No one should hamper your glad, happy ways, Nor darken, with care-clouds, your bright, sunny days. Good laughter, a healthy condition promotes; So, have your own fun, boys, and "sow your wild oats."

382 IMPROVEMENT ERA. But, while you are passing thus gaily along, Remember, dear boys, you've no right to do wrong. Don't place yourselves subject to shame or distrust, By being unyielding, rash, vain and unjust; Don't swindle each other in exchange of coats, Nor swear, drink nor gamble, while sowing wild oats. Speak not of "The Gov'nor," "Old Man," or such— And your mother! — you cannot respect her too much; Sin not 'gainst your elders by action or tongue, But think — if you live, you'll not always be young; Down the swift tide of time, each unconsciously floats, So, be wise, kind, and gentle, while sowing wild oats. Ne'er think that to work is degrading or low; If no wheat is planted, there'll be none to grow. Ne'er officiously scramble your bread to secure From the humble who toil, the industrious poor; Nor be guilty of venturing illegal votes; Be honest and pure, though you're sowing wild oats. Some trusting, young, fair one, as love-thoughts may flit, May fancy your style, or be charmed by your wit; Don't think that to please her, or merely for sport, You'll make some pretentions to love and to court; Don't woo to deceive her, with words or with notes, — To take refuge in pleas that you're sowing wild oats. Seek fame if you will, with the mallet or pen, But lay your foundations for good, worthy men; And build thereupon noble structures and fine, Walking straight in the way of the Master divine; O'ercoming, at last, all the beams and the motes Which cloud the best vision while sowing wild oats.