On The Shelf

Some follies

So simple are they

That they are the same to a man in Leeds

As they were to an Emperor far away

How common place to not be able to see

The friend who loves thee

And is eager to support thee

This folly can multiply many times

Till to an abundance of love thou art blind

There are in truth those that would hurt you

But the worst of those is thyself

Oh young Oracle!

Just because you wish to rule thyself

Does not mean

That thou must remain on the shelf!

Povey 2017