Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FAMILY MAN, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FAMILY MAN, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I once was a jolly young beau
Last Line: But then -- I'm a family man!
Subject(s): Marriage; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


I ONCE was a jolly young beau,
And knew how to pick up a fan,
But I've done with all that, you must know,
For now I'm a family man!

When a partner I ventured to take,
The ladies all favored the plan;
They vowed I was certain to make
"Such an excellent family man!"

If I travel by land or by water,
I have charge of some Susan or Ann;
Mrs. Brown is so sure that her daughter
Is safe with a family man!

The trunks and the bandboxes round 'em
With something like horror I scan,
But though I may mutter, "Confound 'em!"
I smile -- like a family man!

I once was as gay as a templar,
But levity's now under ban;
Young people must have an exemplar
And I am a family man!

The club-men I meet in the city
All treat me as well as they can;
And only exclaim, "What a pity
Poor Tom is a family man!"

I own I am getting quite pensive;
Ten children, from David to Dan,
Is a family rather extensive;
But then -- I'm a family man!





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