Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON THE WAY HOME, by CHESTER FIRKINS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON THE WAY HOME, by                    
First Line: Did n't you like the party, dear, to - night?'
Last Line: "I merely wished to know what you had done."
Subject(s): Quarrels; Silence; Arguments; Disagreements


"DID N'T you like the party, dear, to-night?"
(Silence. She turns her head the other way.)
"What have I done? Isn't my tie on right?"
(No answer — but her eyes have things to say.)

"Is it because I danced with Mrs. Chatt?
Her husband made me, really." (She is dumb.)
"Surely you can't be jealous that I sat
Out with the silly Grimes girl?" (She is mum.)

"I know I talked too much of me and mine —
Was that the reason?" (Perfect stillness reigns.)
"But I was proud — you simply looked divine!
Can't you forgive me?" (Speechless she remains.)

"Was it because I stumbled in that waltz?
I always do some fool thing." (Not a word.)
"I didn't mean to lose your smelling salts."
('T would seem the protestations were unheard.)

"Oh, Mrs. Gad then told you that I said
Her dress should have the prize?" (Hark! 'T is the wind.)
"Or was it that I cut Ned Killer dead?
He's a mere rake. Look at me, dear." (She's blind.)

"Well, I confess I ought to be accursed
For talking shop at dinner." (She is mute.)
"I'm sorry that I used the wrong fork first."
(Her hush and nature's hush are absolute.)

"Oh, very well, then, since you're bound to sneer,
I can fight, too, if quarrelling's such fun."
She speaks! She smiles! "Why, I'm not angry, dear,
I merely wished to know what you had done."





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