 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
447
The Nine O'Clock Bell
'Tis “nine o'clock;” but few the summons heed;The street is full of passers to and fro;
No homes they seek, no homes they seem to need;
And some, alas! a home may never know.
They hear no voice of father, mother dear,
To bid them “sure return, when rings the bell;”
In its loud tones no friendly signal hear
Of household cares, and loving hearts to tell.
Trained in a different school the people now
No steady habits, nor obedience gain.
To keep good hours, when duty calls to go,
Are all forgot for pleasure, feasting, gain.
Ring on Old Bell! and from their ways recall
Gay, thoughtless youth, and warn them lest they fall!
Poem No. 726; c. 12 July 1872
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