Leader, poet, singer, artist, who have struggled long and won, <br />Though the climbing is behind you, now the battle has begun, <br />Shut your ears unto the empty parrot phrases of the town, <br />Shun the hand-grips of your rivals, they can only drag you down. <br /> <br />See the bush or quiet chamber, work – for you have work to do, <br />Though the city shall be lighted and the table spread for you – <br />Work through ease and pleasure call you, work when you have care to drown, <br />Shun the wine-cup like a serpent, it can only drag you down. <br /> <br />And the star eyes and the red lips, luring ever to a wreck, <br />And the beauty of the white arms clinging closely round your neck! <br />Golden head thrown back and white arms clinging closer when you frown, <br />Tear them from your neck if need be – they can only drag you down.<br /><br />Henry Lawson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/they-can-only-drag-you-down/
