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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ANY HUSBAND OR WIFE, by                    
First Line: Let us be guests in one another's house
Last Line: But what is better still -- we shall be friends.
Variant Title(s): Any Wife Or Husband


LET US be guests in one another's house
With deferential "No" and courteous "Yes;"
Let us take care to hide our foolish moods
Behind a certain show of cheerfulness.

Let us avoid all sullen silences;
We should find fresh and sprightly things to say;
I must be fearful lest you find me dull,
And you must dread to bore me any way.

Let us knock gently at each other's heart,
Glad of a chance to look within -- and yet
Let us remember that to force one's way
Is the unpardoned breach of etiquette.

So shall I be hostess -- you, the host --
Until all need for entertainment ends;
We shall be lovers when the last door shuts,
But what is better still -- we shall be friends.





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