Sonnet-Time Is Short Poem by Dr John Celes

I must cross o'er the bridge 'fore it breaks down;
I must climb Life's ladder 'fore rungs give way;
I must pluck weeds 'fore the grass can be mown;
I must keep earnestly the Sabbath-Day.

I must swim ashore before the flood comes;
I must build house on ground that is hard rock;
When water falls on sugar, it forms lumps;
How long can ships be stationed in their dock?

I must store food for Winter is not far;
I must work hard for harvest to be good;
I must prepare with devils for a war;
To forget my Saviour, my heart, how could?

The Heaven’s gates will not be open long!
'Tis time I start to sing my divine song.