CLARENCE Percy Smith De Vere Was a youth of high degree, City-bred and holding dear Questions of urbanity; In his clothing most precise, In his language very nice, Keen of wit, at business good. Fond of sport — 't was understood He was all he ought to be. Since the custom is to take Outings in the summer time, Spent near some sweet sylvan lake, Far from city soot and grime, Clarence chose a quiet place, Packed his trunk and dress-suit case, Paid his calls, his bills and so Found himself prepared to go To that cooler rural clime. On the morrow Clarence rose Early, with the summer sun; Donned his well-pressed outing clothes; Ate his breakfast; then, like one Who would condescend a while, Took his stick and forth in style Walked the village through and through; Saw some natives, just a few Trying hard a race to run. As they ran, these rustic youth, Clarence stood beside the place, Pitying them because, in sooth, He could set a better pace; When they saw him, "Come," they said — Willingly was Clarence led Into simple country joys With those simple country boys, When they urged him, too, to race. Clarence lent his stick for goal — And the last to touch it should Stand a treat for every soul Who took part; and seven stood Ready for the starter's word; "Go!" — and Clarence fairly whirred, Flew with all his might and main, Reached the goal and touched the cane, Beat them all — he thought he would. Soon his joy is turned to grief, Triumph frosted in the bud — He to run who was so lief Feels the shame speed through his blood — No one else would touch that stick — First and last was he — he's sick — Standing treat for seven jays, Grinning, nudging as he pays — Pays to learn his name is mud. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FIFTY YEARS (1863-1913) by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON STONEWALL JACKSON'S WAY by JOHN WILLIAMSON PALMER THE SHEPHEARDES CALENDER: NOVEMBER by EDMUND SPENSER LADY CLARA VERE DE VERE by ALFRED TENNYSON PASSAGE TO INDIA by WALT WHITMAN PRAYER FOR A DREAM by JOHN C. ADLER INVITES POETS AND HISTORIANS TO WRITE IN CYNTHIA'S PRAISE by PHILIP AYRES |