Poem by Robert William Service

Resignation

I’d hate to be centipede (of legs I’ve only two),
For if new trousers I should need (as oftentimes I do),
The bill would come to such a lot ‘twould tax an Astorbilt,
Or else I’d have to turn a Scot and caper in a kilt.

I’m jolly glad I haven’t got a neck like a giraffe.
I’d want to tie it in a knot and shorten it by half.
Or, as I wear my collars high, how laundry men would gloat!
And what a lot of beer I’d buy to lubricate my throat!

I’d hate to be a goldfish, snooping round a crystal globe,
A naughty little bold fish, that distains chemise of robe.
The public stare I couldn’t bear, if naked as a stone,
And when my toilet I prepare, I’d rather be alone.

I’d hate to be an animal, an insect or a fish.
To be the least like bird or beast I’ve not the slightest wish.
It’s best I find to be resigned, and stick to Nature’s plan:
Content am I to live and die, just – Ordinary MAN.

1. Highland Hospitality
2. Violet de Vere
3. L'Envoi (I guess this is the final score)
4. Afternoon Tea
5. New Year's Eve

Ernest Jones Resignation ("We all have our allotted task")

Print

2516 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version