Tradition X

Tradition's only ever an excuse,
Hardly a reason on its own for things;
Of course, it's nice, but too-exclusive use
Implies that to the past a virtue clings
Which cannot be improved, which cannot be;
For if it were, why live? The past is past,
And we can never live but presently
As it converts from futures we once cast.
If nothing but tradition gives the force
For arguments against a change, then change;
Intertia gives all objects a set course,
But never to accelerate is strange.
Do not mistake me though: change too requires
A reason greater than its own desires.