Page 41 - Poetry-Whimsy

Grown our serious aims and the chief end of Man?
There’s an aureate mean these two courses between,
But I humbly submit that it seldom is seen,
With all proper respect for that organization
Of benevolent purpose and high reputation,
The excellent Hercules Club!

* “H. A. A. A.”: Hercules Amateur Athletic Association.
** Frigid day, or day of low temperature: A singular idiom of the American
language, expressing grave improbability.

— Helen Gray Cone (Century Magazine, 1884)

A Cheerful Spirit

I’m a hopeless, unfortunate creature,
I’m tortured with sorrow and pain,
I’m twisted in figure and feature;
However, I never complain.
My wife is a termagant truly,
She treats me with scorn and disdain,
My children are bad and unruly;
However, I never complain.
My business is sadly declining,
My efforts to prosper are vain,
I’ve reason for constant repining;
However, I never complain.

I’m neglected by friends and relations,
The snubs which I oft entertain
Might justify loud protestations;
However, I never complain.

This fact will attract your attention,
And this I will always maintain,
Of my woes I make casual mention;
However, I never complain.
— Stanley Wood (Century Magazine, 1884)

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