Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO LADY ASTOR by OLIVER BROOK HERFORD

First Line: HAIL, BEAUTEOUS LADY, WORLD RENOWNED
Last Line: "TO ""PUSSYFOOT"" HIS DIET!"
Subject(s): ANIMALS; ASTOR, NANCY, VISCOUNTESS (1879-1964); LIONS; POLITICS & GOVERNMENT; WOMEN'S RIGHTS; FEMINISM;

Hail, beauteous lady, world renowned,
And hail to this, your latest capture
With Goldenrod and Roses crowned
Who pads at heel with purrs of rapture.
Can this sweet cat with fluffy pate
In blissful thraldom to your charms
Be the same beast that ramps irate
Upon Great Britain's arms!

'Tis proud indeed we'll be some day,
Who witnessed the incipient stages
Of your triumphal march, to say,
"We saw her started down the ages!"
And by the way, dear, since you're quite
Well headed for the Hall of Fame,
Don't hold your Lion's leash too tight
Lest he forget he's tame.

'Tis true he lets you cut his claws
And trim his beard or curl or shave it --
And knit wool mittens for his paws,
And bob his mane, or marcel-wave it,
But Lions have their limits, take
LIFE'S friendly tip upon the quiet
And don't attempt, for heaven's sake,
To "pussyfoot" his diet!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net