YOU NEVER MISS THE WATER, TILL THE WELL RUNS DRY
(Roland Howard - 1871)



When a child I lived at Lincoln 
With my parents on the farm
The lessons that my Mother taught 
To me were quite a charm
She'd often take me on her knee 
When tired of childish play
And as she pressed me to her breast 
I've heard my Mother say

Waste not, want not
Is the maxim I would teach
Let your watchword be despatch
And practice what you preach
Do not let your chances
Like sunbeams, pass you by
For you never miss the water 
Till the well runs dry

As years rolled on 
I grew to be a mischief loving boy
Destruction seemed my only sport
It was my only joy
And well I do remember
When oft times well chastised
How Father sat close by my side
And thus has me advised

Waste not, want not
Is the maxim I would teach
Let your watchword be despatch
And practice what you preach
Do not let your chances
Like sunbeams, pass you by
For you never miss the water 
Till the well runs dry

When I arrived at manhood
I engaged in public life
But found the hill was rugged then
And full of care and strife
I speculated foolishly
My losses were severe
But still a tiny little voice
Kept whispering in my ear

Waste not, want not
Is the maxim I would teach
Let your watchword be despatch
And practice what you preach
Do not let your chances
Like sunbeams, pass you by
For you never miss the water 
Till the well runs dry

Then I studied strict economy
And found to my surprise
My funds, instead of sinking
Very quickly then did rise
I grasped each chance and always 
Struck the iron while 'twas still hot
I seized the opportunities
And never once forgot

Waste not, want not
Is the maxim I would teach
Let your watchword be despatch
And practice what you preach
Do not let your chances
Like sunbeams, pass you by
For you never miss the water 
Till the well runs dry

I am married now and happy
I've a charming little Wife
We live in peace and harmony
Devoid of care and strife
Fortune smiles upon us
We have little children, three
The lessons that I teach them
As they cluster round my knee

Waste not, want not
Is the maxim I would teach
Let your watchword be despatch
And practice what you preach
Do not let your chances
Like sunbeams, pass you by
For you never miss the water 
Till the well runs dry









(Contributed by  - March 2007)