THE HONKENING by Rudyard Kipling
It was not part of their blood,
It came to them very late
With long arrears to make good,
When the honkers began to honk.
They were not easily moved,
They were icy willing to wait
Till every count should be proved,
Ere the honkers began to honk.
Their voices were even and low,
Their eyes were level and straight.
There was neither sign nor show,
When the honkers began to honk.
It was not preached to the crowd,
It was not taught by the State.
No man spoke it aloud,
When the honkers began to honk.
It was not suddenly bred,
It will not swiftly abate,
Through the chill years ahead,
When Time shall count from the date
That the honkers began to honk.