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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


YOU DARNED OLD SKATE by DOUGLAS MALLOCH

First Line: JOHN KENNEDY'S A FRIEND OF MINE
Last Line: WELL, THEN YOU KNOW THEY LOVE YOU.
Subject(s): FRIENDSHIP;

John Kennedy's a friend of mine,
There's not a doubt about it,
Although he doesn't "thee" and "thine,"
Although he doesn't shout it.
His love he doesn't loudly state --
In fact when we are meeting,
"Hello," he says, "you darned old skate,"
His customary greeting.

It isn't what you'd call polite,
It surely doesn't flatter,
But if you know the heart is right
It really doesn't matter.
The friend who's for you, early, late,
In speech may not be clever;
But when he says, "you darned old skate,"
You have a friend forever.

Oh, other men with studied speech
Will come with words admiring;
And yet they very seldom reach
A hand when you are tiring.
The folks today affectionate
Tomorrow crowd and shove you;
But when they say, "You darned old skate,"
Well, then you know they love you.



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