Though the pitcher that goes to the sparkling rill <br />Too oft gets broken at last, <br />There are scores of others its place to fill <br />When its earth to the earth is cast ; <br />Keep that pitcher at home, let it never roam, <br />But lie like a useless clod, <br />Yet sooner or later the hour will come <br />When its chips are thrown to the sod. <br /> <br />Is it wise, then, say, in the waning day, <br />When the vessel is crack'd and old, <br />To cherish the battered potter's clay, <br />As though it were virgin gold ? <br />Take care of yourself, dull, boorish elf, <br />Though prudent and safe you seem, <br />Your pitcher will break on the musty shelf, <br />And mine by the dazzling stream.<br /><br />Adam Lindsay Gordon<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/potters-clay/
