Punctuality
man naturally loves delay,
and to procrastinate;
business put off from day to day
is always done too late.
let every hour be in its place
firm fixed, nor loosely shift,
and well enjoy the vacant space,
as though it were a gift.
and when the hour arrives, be there,
where'er that "there" may be;
uncleanly hands or ruffled hair
let no one ever see.
if dinner at "half-past" be placed,
at "half-past" then be dressed.
if at a "quarter-past" make haste
to be down with the rest
better to be before your time,
than e'er to be behind;
to ope the door while strikes the chime,
that shows a punctual mind.
- Lewis Carroll
Thursday, December 30, 2010