The Helpless Pot

Oh, gently, brother, gently!
I am a pot upon the shelf,
And thou art passing.
Gently, brother, gently! Brush me not.
Oh, if thou art dry as dust, be on!
Let not thy atoms fall upon me.
If thou art consumed with fire,
Pass on. Let not thy fire
Lay its searing touch upon me.
Oh, gently, brother, gently.
I am a pot upon the shelf,
And thou art the waresman.
Handle not my clay with light
Consideration. Remember that I
Am but a vessel within thy hands.
If thy wine is bitter, then must I drink it.
Think, brother, of thy advantage!
Oh, I am a pot upon the shelf.-
Consider this!