– 35 –

Incident

To-day I woke at half-past-five, and roused
My so reluctant frame, and went to hose
Thirsty hydrangeas and my parched green peas.

Scenting the showers, there came a minute bird
(Our Michael being occupied elsewhere),
Fluttered and danced among the gracious drops,
Flirted his wings, and frisked his little tail,
Darted bright glances from his nodding head.

Such are the joys, O metropolitan,
That do acceptably illuminate
My now declining years.