Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE HAS-BEENS, by WALT MASON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HAS-BEENS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I read the papers every day, and oft encounter
Last Line: At fame and wealth—for has-beens do come back.
Subject(s): Fame; Fortune; Reputation


I READ the papers every day, and oft encounter tales which show there's hope for

every jay who in life's battle fails. I've just been reading of a gent who
joined the has-been ranks, at fifty years without a cent, or credit at the
banks. But undismayed he buckled down, refusing to be beat, and captured fortune

and renown; he's now in Easy street. Men say that fellows down and out ne'er
leave the rocky track, but facts will show, beyond a doubt, that has-beens do
come back. I know, for I who write this rhyme, when forty-odd years old, was
down and out, without a dime, my whiskers full of mold. By black disaster I was

trounced until it jarred my spine; I was a failure so pronounced I didn't need a

sign. And after I had soaked my coat, I said (at forty-three), "I'll see if I
can catch the goat that has escaped from me." I labored hard; I strained my
dome, to do my daily grind, until in triumph I came home, my billy-goat behind.

And any man who still has health may with the winners stack, and have a chance
at fame and wealth—for has-beens do come back.





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