Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DANCING, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DANCING, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dancing! I love it, night or day
Last Line: Adonis 'mid the charmers!
Subject(s): Dancing & Dancers


DANCING! I love it, night or day:
There's nought on earth so jolly,
Whether you straightly glide with May,
Or madly whirl with Molly,
The country dance is smooth and sleek;
But waltzes (some call vicious!)
Bring one so near a rosy cheek,
That, Jack, they're just delicious!

At every chance, I'm bound to go,
And join our "West End" classes,
With all about me comme il faut,
To captivate the lasses.
I think they rather like me, Jack, --
(Oh, dear! the pretty creatures!) --
One shyly praised -- behind my back --
She did -- my Roman features!

Yet somehow, Jack, the loveliest she
(I mean sweet Mary Whimple)
Has never, never turned on me
A single charming dimple:
But when I try the least advance,
Her smile is changed to sneering;
Three times she has snubbed me in the dance
To please that odious Speering!

Ah! Jack, it makes my bosom swell,
And all my life forlorner,
To think (while others like me well)
She, she should be a scorner!
I cannot be revenged on her,
Nor would, if able even;
But, oh! that long-legged Speering cur
I wish he was -- in heaven!

He has given my hopes a blighting touch
Though lank as any mummy;
And as for mind, -- I've seen as much
In some poor pasteboard dummy:
But then the best of girls are queer --
Titania loved a donkey;
So Mary airs her charms to snare
This awkward ball-room flunkey!

Ha! now my steam is all blown off,
Once more I'm pleased and placid;
If Mary Whimple still will scoff,
Why should I too grow acid?
With jovial smile and heart in tune
(Ill humor's best disarmers,)
See, Jack, if I don't figure soon --
Adonis 'mid the charmers!





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