Ripe Fruit

Everything is best in its season.

If the sacred rites of marriage you intend to prepare,
Then settle your affection not on a maiden too rare,
For after many a troubled thought, and many a journey long
The answer you'll probably get is: "My daughter is too young!"

However, a maid of riper years will readily agree;
So pick rather your sweetheart's sister if somewhat older she may be;
For unripe fruit is sour and green,
And will not readily release from the tree;
But that which has attained maturity
Warmed to the core 'neath the sun's warming ray
Yields to the touch - and easily comes away.

While green fruit to the tree clings fast, so does not all;
For once it becomes ripe, the fruit on its own will fall.