Classic Poem

Ah, teacher, let me hear you teach;
You have brave words from olden seers,
The lore of those long-bearded men
Of all the far-off years;
The gray old thoughts of gray old men
Beneath the Asian stars,
Brought safe by fate through clashing years
Of unremembered wars.
And you have read the huddled tomes
Of many an alcoved shelf;
But have you stood beneath the stars
And listened to yourself?

Ah, teacher, let me hear you teach;
You at old sages' feet have sat;
Know you the man within your coat,
The man beneath your hat?
You know the thoughts that shaped the world,
From far-off centuries blown;
What says the man who talks with thee
When thou art all alone?
Why should I listen to a man
Who listens at the alcoved shelf?
Man, let me hear a living man
Who listens to himself.