Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, COMPLAINT OF THE CONVALESCENT, by GERALDINE MEYRICK


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

COMPLAINT OF THE CONVALESCENT, by                    
First Line: When you're sick in bed of something
Last Line: "lemon jelly, by and by."
Subject(s): Food & Eating; Sickness; Illness


When you're sick in bed of something,
And hate the sight of food;
When the tinkle of a teaspoon
Is torture to your mood;
Nurse will come to you at intervals
That haven't any length;
And it's, "Eat this all, now, quickly,
For you must keep up your strength."

But when you're really better,
And your appetite is fine;
When your chief and only longing
Is substantially to dine,
Nurse will bring you something sloppy,
After ages, ages long;
And it's, "Just a little, slowly,
For you know you are not strong."

Oh, it may be she's an angel --
I have thought she was, myself;
But now I am so hungry --
Is there nothing on the shelf?
I want some cheese and crackers,
Or a slice of cold mince pie;
And it's, "You may have some jelly,
Lemon jelly, by and by."





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