Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GIFTS AND GIVERS, by BERTON BRALEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GIFTS AND GIVERS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Harry is a spender; brings me gifts of splendor
Last Line: Jimmy gives me gifts he can't afford!
Subject(s): Gifts & Giving


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!





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