Page 10 - Poetry-Whimsy

Just now I heard a song—and when it ended,
Rose many voices, crying out “Encore!
I’ve not the least idea to what it tended,
Next door!

Now I hear shouts of mirth from six or seven;
Again the laugh bursts out into a roar:
I’m sure they do not go the way to heaven,
Next door!

And I’ve heard screams, and sounds of lamentation,
Which then made me perspire from every pore.
I don’t begin to like the situation,
Next door!

I saw two surgeons pass, and three physicians!
(Some walked exceeding fast, and some went slow’r;)
This really is enough to raise suspicions,
Next door!

My patience, not my vigilance, relaxes,—
My rage cools not because the frost is hoar:
I don’t believe they’ve paid their rent and taxes,
Next door!

I wonder with what sort of folks they mingle;
I’ve counted since the cat began to snore,
Ten double knocks, and half a dozen single,
Next door!

I’ve had a peep from Betty’s attic chamber,
Which overlooks the wall they spiked all o’er,
That nothing human might attempt to clamber,
Next door!

From there I noticed several persons walking,
And very strange apparel too they wore;
Some laughing; many playing, and some talking,
Next door!

They seemed like actors a new play rehearsing,—
One in a rage his glossy ringlets tore,

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