I’m strong for altercations–
Discussions suit me fine–
I dote on conversations–
Especially not mine.
by Ray Romine Friday, January 5, 1951
Author: Ray Romine
Appeal To Feathered Friends
I find your twitter and your tweet
At 5 a.m., a little sour–
Please sing upon another street,
Or wait until a decent hour.
Recall, oh friends who soar and flap,
A friend may soon become a pest
Who cannot close his little trap
While other friends prefer to rest.
by Ray Romine Wednesday, July 4, 1951
Apparel Carol
Sometimes parents must wonder whether
It shouldn’t be simple, predicting the weather.
For the children may start out in wet and in ooze
With the day turning fine if they wear overshoes,
But a sure-enough shower comes up if they roam
Leaving rubbers and raincoat etc. at home!
by Ray Romine Wednesday, August 31, 1949
Apology, Pedestrian to Motorist
I thought you waved; you did, to get
The ashes off your cigarette.
by Ray Romine Thursday, September 14, 1950
Antici-pater
Sis looks to spring, for there’s a fur
She pictures decorating her;
And mom’s not counting sheep, but flocks
Of hats, and shoes, and dreamy frocks,
While even brother has his eye
On a new eight-dollar tie.
But dad’s spring day-dream plainly sees
Some way of growing dough on trees?
by Ray Romine Friday, April 3, 1953
Anteater
His tongue is long, and that’s good, because
He opens ant-hills with great strong claws,
And laps up whatever ants are handy
Which, to him, are ice-cream and chocolate candy.
But I’d hate to be him and take the chance
Of sticking my nose into all those ants!
by Ray Romine Saturday, February 6, 1954
Ant-ipathy
The ant is very busy:
Fine trait, beyond a doubt–
And yet I think at picnic time
Him we could do without.
by Ray Romine Tuesday, April 27, 1943
Answer To
To the Devil who watches my destiny:
A chap can’t do more than his bestkiny?
You’ll see whether inside o’ me man or mouse lurk·
I’ll say, “Get Thee BEHIND ME, you narsty old house-work!”
by Ray Romine Friday, September 24, 1943
Anonimity Preferred
Something difficult to do
Is scampering into Who’s Who.
Harder than cracking it, though, I’d
Find the acting dignified.
by Ray Romine Friday, May 19, 1950
Annual Complaint To All Retailers
I’m tired of calendars depicting
Barnyards, bridges, babies,
Horses, trains. and mountain lakes,
Dogs with fleas or rabies;
Barefoot boys with fishing poles,
Cottages with flowers,
Ruins, ships, kid-teacher scenes,
Cats resembling ours.
But since my kind– the cheesecake ones–
Always boomerang,
I’ll find one of the arid type
My wife will let me hang.
by Ray Romine Wednesday, September 13, 1950