The Plant in the Pot

(For impatient teachers, advisers, etc.)

The plant in the pot was growing slowly and well;
Though slowly, yet surely and freely and well.
But the maid in the house had a mind of her own;
She believed not in slowness but in sudden quick growth.
So she flooded the pot in a merciless way,
Pouring water and water until dawn of next day.
And when pouring was over, to her shock and dismay,
There was water but – oh! – no more plant, only clay.