O kid! with face of healthy tan, <br />With lunch-bag, books and slate; <br />You needn't long to be a man, <br />Self-confident and great; <br />For ever since the world began <br />Each boy must spring to Nature's plan, <br />Must worry through as best he can — <br />Make up your mind to Wait. <br /> <br />O young galoot! you find it rough — <br />This iron hand of Fate! <br />Your confidence is mostly bluff, <br />And doubts preponderate — <br />Are you the genuine all-wool stuff? <br />Are you a daisy or a muff? — <br />Patience! you'll find out soon enough, <br />If you can only Wait. <br /> <br />O baffled bloke! with no resource! <br />Whose knowledge comes too late; <br />Whose prospects change from bad to worse, <br />Till Hope gives place to Hate! <br />Sick of existence, and perforce <br />Impatient for the long divorce — <br />You'll get your call in proper course, <br />Take my advice, and Wait. <br /> <br />O geezer! drawing near the test <br />That none may obviate; <br />Don't waste your time in fruitless quest <br />Re man's post-mortem state. <br />That doubt will soon be set at rest — <br />You'll be extinguish'd, grill'd, or blest, <br />Or spook the world from east to west. <br />Meanwhile, you have to Wait.<br /><br />Joseph Furphy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-psalm-of-patience/
