I Am Habit

Through each day, I slowly mold thee.
Soon my tightening chains enfold thee,
Then it is with ease I hold thee;
Thus, a habit.

I can be both good or vile.
I can even be worth your while
Or the cause of your bitter cry,
I am habit.

Oft I’ve proved myself a pleasure,
Proved myself a priceless treasure
Or a meanness passed all measure
Thus, a habit.

Harmless though I sometimes be,
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 has lived without me.
I am present all about thee,
Thus, a habit.

Choose me well when you are starting,
Seldom is an easy parting,
I am a devil or a darling.
I am habit.