I WISH I knew geography -- for that would tell me why 'Twixt New South Wales and Paddington you needs must pass the High! Of course I know the fact is so: 'tis singular, but then Veracity is still the mark of literary men. All in the High a Yankee man I happened for to find: He'd come from the Antipodes, and left his purse behind: And here by his embarrassments compelled he was to stay ('Twixt New South Wales and London town 'tis all upon the way). His simple tale affected me: 'twas more than I could bear: I brought him to my humble cot and entertained him there. And 'Books!' he cried, while gazing on my well-assorted shelf, 'I've written some immortal works -- anonymous -- myself! 'Full well I know the authors of those venerable tomes -- Yes, there's Nathaniel Hawthorne, and there is Wendell Holmes! My literary relatives I number by the score: Mark Twain's my cousin twice removed, by far Missouri's shore.' He spoke of many famous men, and all by Christian names -- Yes, Howells he called William D., and Russell Lowell, James: His kinsmen and acquaintances were all in Culture's van; I do not think I ever met a more related man. 'But what's the use of all that crowd,' the Transatlantic said, 'When I am bound to catch the cars, and ain't got nary red? Stranger, I guess with Caius C. Maecenas you'll be known If you will just oblige me with a temporary loan.' I can't resist celebrity -- I lent him shillings ten, That impecunious relative of literary men: And when he comes to pay it back, no doubt he'll tell me why From New South Wales to Paddington the shortest way's the High. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MAKING THE BED by KAREN SWENSON LOST HAPPINESS by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS SONNET ON PIETRO REGGIO HIS SETTING TO MUSIC MR. COWLEY'S POEMS by PHILIP AYRES FIRST MUSICIAN'S SONG, FR. LAODICE AND DANAE by GORDON BOTTOMLEY |