Harry is a spender; brings me gifts of splendor, Rings and things of platinum and gold, Silk-lined dressing cases from the smartest places, Webby stockings lovely to behold. Harry's gifts I treasure with a lot of pleasure, But—they make no inroads on his hoard; One as rich as Harry can be lavish, very. Jimmy gives me gifts he can't afford! Cyril is a highbrow, tall above the eyebrow; Cyril gives me esoteric books; Spends his bright sesterces on thin books of verses Which are very nobby and de luxe. On me Cyril showers Nietzsches, Schopenhauers, With the deepest dogmas underscored; They are gifts expensive; still, his roll's extensive; Jimmy gives me gifts he can't afford! Jimmy has no money, yet with smile that's sunny Jimmy fetches little lovely things; Pawns his watch and buys me presents to surprise me, Beauty in each token that he brings. They're not rich or showy, but I chance to know he Bought me gifts—and stinted on his board. So, I choose the whimmy, spendthrift, reckless Jimmy— Jimmy gives me gifts he can't afford! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE UNDERWORLD by ISAAC ROSENBERG LOVE AND DEATH by SARA TEASDALE WHEN LOVE GOES by SARA TEASDALE TO SIR HENRY CARY by BEN JONSON I AM THE WAY' by ALICE MEYNELL PARAPHRASE ON THOMAS A KEMPIS by ALEXANDER POPE TO JANE: THE INVITATION by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY |