English poem
(For Grown-Up Children.)
by Alfred Gurney (1843–1898)
Children know the things I know not, Though they know not that they know; I should know not, should love grow not, That I know not it is so. Flowers feebly rooted blow not, Shallow waters overflow not, Love is doomed unless it grow.
Fools who think to reap and sow not Growing love will overthrow; Churls who say 'We go' and go not Love's rebuke must undergo; All who love's insignia show not, Who on love themselves bestow not, Love, full grown, shall lay them low.