Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A COMPROMISE, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A COMPROMISE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Once two little gentlemen, very polite
Last Line: Each walked away with a jubilant face.
Subject(s): Etiquette; Manners; Courtesy


Once two little gentlemen, very polite,
Stepped up to a gate that was narrow -- quite.
The one (who was very well-bred and thin)
Was plainly intending to pass within.
The other (remarkably bland and stout)
Was just as surely resolved to pass out.
Now what could the two little gentlemen do
But say with a bow, "After you!" "After you!"
And there they stood bowing, with courteous smile,
Their hats in their hands, for a marvellous while;
For the thin little man was very well-bred,
And the stout man had not a rude hair in his head.
But there chanced that way a philosopher wise,
Who sagely effected a compromise:
That each in turn should go through the last;
Thus might the troublesome gate be passed.
So first the courteous gentleman thin,
With greatest reluctance passed within.
And then the well-mannered gentleman stout,
With polished obeisance made his way out,
But sadly turned and went back that he
Might share in the breach of courtesy!
Then the thin little man stepped out once more,
Contentedly where he was before.
And thus having settled the difficult case,
Each walked away with a jubilant face.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net