I Took a Piece of Plastic Clay
Author Unknown
 

I took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day -
And as my fingers pressed it, still 
It moved and yielded to my will.
              
I came again when days were past;
The bit of clay was hard at last.
The form I gave it, still it bore,
And I could change that form no more!
               
I took a piece of living clay,
And gently fashioned it day by day,
And molded with my power and art 
A young child's soft and yielding heart.
           
I came again when years were gone;
It was man I looked upon.
He still that early impress bore,
And I could fashion it never more.