HEAR the clatter of those feet; See him coming up the street On the trot! He is going to the Greens; No, he's going to the Dean's, Is he not? See the uniform of blue, And the shiny letters, too, On his cap. I imagine he is quite An intelligent and bright Little chap. What a careless tune he hums, And how innocently comes Hurrying. Ah, how little does he know Of the happiness or woe He can bring! Now he brings a hopeless sigh; Now a sparkle to the eye; Now a tear. More of griefs, I think, than joys -- Why! the fateful little boy's Coming here! Goodness, how he pulls the bell! He has some bad news to tell, I'm afraid. Oh, I hope it's not for me! Alice, sign for it, and see If it's paid. It is surely not from Will, For his morning smoke is still In the air. Has poor uncle breathed his last? Has his weary spirit passed From all care? Then poor auntie is bereft, And that sunny home is left Fatherless. Or old Cousin Ed and May 'Ve gone and had another ba -- By, I guess. What if John has lost, poor man, Little Clementine or Nan, Or his wife! Oh the hopefulness, the fears! Oh the rapture! oh the tears! Of this life! I don't like the thing a bit; I don't dare to open it; How I shake! Why, it's from that man of mine: "@3Will bring partner home to dine; Get a steak.@1" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO CARMEN SYLVA (QUEEN OF ROUMANIA) by EMMA LAZARUS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: OSCAR HUMMEL by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |