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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
NECESSARY, by BERTON BRALEY Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, I am just a sort of stick without a single parlor trick
Last Line: Were round about to listen and to furnish the applause.
Subject(s): Audiences
First Line: Oh, I am just a sort of stick without a single parlor trick
Last Line: Were round about to listen and to furnish the applause.
Subject(s): Audiences
Oh, I am just a sort of stick without a single parlor trick,
I have no gift of repartee, of wit I am the goat,
I cannot play the mimic's part, and prestidigitator's art
Is something quite beyond me—and I never sang a note.
I cannot bang piano for the basso or soprano,
Nor do a double shuffle just to liven things a bit.
I really envy those who can, the talented and joyous clan
Who brighten up a party and who always make a hit.
Yes, I'm an artless sort of wight who knows no verses to recite,
I've never kept the table or the parlor in a roar,
But still there is a place for me wherever I may chance to be,
For I'm a bully audience, and that is where I score;
I grin at repartee and chaff, at others' pranks I loudly laugh,
And so I know I'm useful in the universe, because
The jokesters' jokes would not get by unless such stupid folks as I
Were round about to listen and to furnish the applause.
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