Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CHAPERON, by FAIRFAX DOWNEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CHAPERON, by                    
First Line: The chaperon was powerful, a stern and doughty lady
Last Line: "chaperons? Groans! Good-bye!"
Subject(s): Parties; Youth


The chaperon was powerful, a stern and doughty lady;
She went among the young folks and she saw that they were led.
On holidays and Saturdays, but mostly on the latter days,
She watched them like a chicken hawk and this is what she said:

"I am the chaperon!" (now, now!)
"I am the chaperon!" (take care!)
"I'm the chaperon. You can't be alone.
Be proper or beware!"

The chaperon invariably was of those present.
Of twosing pairs the chaperon especially was fond.
At picnics and excursions she was there to cast aspersions;
She ruled you were a lady or a social vagabond.

"I am the chaperon!" (tut, tut!)
"I am the chaperon!" (here, here!)
"I'm the chaperon. You can't be alone.
I always must be near."

The chaperon awoke one day. She'd misplaced her authority,
And no one seemed to notice her; she thought she must be dead.
While feeling hale and hearty, no one asked her to a party.
Her former subjects greeted her but this is what they said:

"You are a chaperon? How come?
You are a chaperon? My word!
A chaperon and can't leave us alone?
Extinct as the dodo, poor bird!"

The chaperon was fini and they put her in the discard.
They packed her up and shelved her with the book of etiquette.
Now chaperons of high degree, who used to get on parties free,
Are forced to listen sadly while they hear with vain regret:

"You are a chaperon? Some laugh!
You are a chaperon -- don't cry;
A chaperon and can't leave us alone?
Chaperons? Groans! Good-bye!"





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