Poems (Follen)/Lines on Nonsense

by Eliza Lee Cabot Follen

LINES ON NONSENSE.

Yes, nonsense is a treasure!
 I love it from my heart;
The only earthly pleasure
 That never will depart.

But, as for stupid reason,
 That stalking, ten-foot rule,
She 's always out of season,
 A tedious, testy fool.

She 's like a walking steeple,
 With a clock for face and eyes,
Still bawling to all people,
 Time bids us to be wise.

While nonsense on the spire
 A weathercock you 'll find,
Than reason soaring higher,
 And changing with the wind.

The clock too oft deceives,
 Says what it cannot prove;
While every one believes
 The vane that turns above.

Reason oft speaks unbidden,
 And chides us to our face;
For which she should be chidden,
 And taught to know her place.

While nonsense smiles and chatters,
 And says such charming things,
Like youthful hope she flatters;
 And like a syren sings.

Her charm 's from fancy borrowed,
 For she is fancy's pet;
Her name is on her forehead,
 In rainbow colors set.

Then, nonsense let us cherish.
 Far, far from reason's light;
Lest in her light she perish,
 And vanish from our sight.