Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VILLANELLE OF THINGS AMUSING, by FRANK GELETT BURGESS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VILLANELLE OF THINGS AMUSING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: These are the things that make me laugh
Last Line: And I've missed of too many jokes by half!
Alternate Author Name(s): Burgess, Gelett
Subject(s): Jokes; Laughter; Life


THESE are the things that make me laugh --
Life's a preposterous farce, say I!
And I've missed of too many jokes by half.

The high-heeled antics of colt and calf,
The men who think they can act, and try --
These are the things that make me laugh.

The hard-boiled poses in photograph,
The groom still wearing his wedding tie --
And I've missed of too many jokes by half!

These are the bubbles I gayly quaff
With the rank conceit of the new-born fly --
These are the things that make me laugh!

For, Heaven help me! I needs must chaff,
And people will tickle me till I die --
And I've missed of too many jokes by half!

So write me down in my epitaph
As one too fond of his health to cry --
These are the things that make me laugh,
And I've missed of too many jokes by half!





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