Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLADE OF EGREGIOUSNESS, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLADE OF EGREGIOUSNESS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I travelled now from coast to coast
Last Line: "I never called a waiter ""george."
Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A.
Subject(s): Tourists; Travel; Journeys; Trips


I TRAVELLED now from coast to coast—
I came back only yesterday—
I've been from Banff to Painted Post
From Harrisburgh to Monterey,
From Cedarhurst to San José,
From Santa Cruz to Valley Forge—
And yet, on all my witless way,
I never called a waiter "George."

I toured the country, same as most
Who pilgrimage in quest of play.
I paid two bits for buttered toast,
And ninety cents for péche gelée.
I was a hick, the same as they
Who come from Huntington or Norge;
But though I seemed replete with hay,
I never called a waiter "George."

I never was a bard to boast,
I never was a lad to bray;
But do I not deserve a "Pros't!",
A cross, a wreath of laurel-spray,
For that, in diner and café,
At jitney meal, Lucullan org-
Y, dinner, luncheon, déjeuner,
I never called a waiter "George"?

L'ENVOI

Cast me, O Prince, in Hudson Bay,
Shoot me across the Royal Gorge,
But O remember, ere you slay,
I never called a waiter "George."





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