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WOODROW WILSON'S EARS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You've earned, wise dr. Wilson
Last Line: Such wise advice as -- ours!
Subject(s): Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924)


You've earned, wise Dr. Wilson,
The uncommon reputation
Of being "a good listener"
In this talky-talky nation.

When one can talk so brightly
As you most surely can, sir,
To add your timely silence
Makes you a wondrous man, sir.

Now there are certain persons
You may talk to, and they'll rue it;
But as to listening to them
We hope you will not do it.

The common sort of grafters
We know you have no ears for;
Your honor high and steady
We have no slightest fears for.

But when your party's profit
Seems ranged against the nation's,
And pleaders urge it on you
With specious allegations,

Oh, turn your ears upon them
As deaf as any adder,
And find a limerick for them
To send them off the madder.

And when some trusty helper
Falls off to lower courses,
And yields to base ambition
Or other of hell's forces,

Don't listen to his urgings
Of friendship's claim upon you,
But calmly drop the traitor
Nor wear his fetters on you.

And when you have no message
That you are hot to utter;
Or when your thought, half ready,
Will only halt and stutter;

Don't listen to committees
Who urge you to make speeches,
No matter what the meeting
Or what the votes it reaches.

In short, wise Dr. Wilson,
We trust your head and heart, sir;
We know you're good and honest
And "most uncommon smart," sir.

And your administration
High Fame will deck with flowers,
If you will follow only
Such wise advice as -- ours!





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