If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the autumn.

Wisdom across the nations tells the same truth

The Irish say, “If you do not sow in the Spring,

You will not reap in the autumn.”

 

Other cultures teach the story

of the busy ant working hard to prepare,

and the grasshopper who just wants to play his music.

 

Other wisdom from the Bible says, “train the young

In the way they should go; even when old,

They will not swerve from it.”

 

I see the same wisdom in all three of these

Do not wait until the fruits are showing (or not)

Before deciding to put forth the guiding effort.

By Nancy Ann Smith

 

3 thoughts on “If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the autumn.

  1. I like how you saw the parallels between these multiple sources (I loved Aesop’s fables growing up), and these are important words of wisdom. I like the 3-line stanzas you used, and there’s a nice sense of subtle rhythm in this poem. Good job!

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