I Am Habit

It is mighty hard to shake me;

In my brawny arms I take thee;

I can either make or break thee

I am habit!

Through each day I slowly mold thee;

Soon my tight’ning chains enfold thee

Then it is with ease I hold thee

Thus is habit!

I can be both good and vile;

I can e’en be worth your while,

Or cause of your bitter cry;

I am habit!

Oft I’ve proved myself a pleasure

Proved myself a priceless treasure,

Or a menace past all measure

Thus is habit!

Harmless though I sometimes seem, yet

My strange force is like a magnet;

Like a great and greedy dragnet;

I am habit!

Though you sometimes fear or doubt me;

No one yet lived without me;

I am present all about thee;

This is habit!

Choose me well when you are starting

Seldom is easy parting;

I’m devil or darling;

I am habit!

                                 

                                                                  By Robert E. Sly