Category: Manners

I wonder, as I scan the room,
Just whom to introduce to whom.
“Miss Lugg, may I present Sir Jay?”
Or is it just the other way?
Which reason is, more than another,
Why I assume you know each other.

by Ray Romine Monday, October 2, 1950

I always thought I
Was a well-mannered guy,
In deportment quite different from most;
But that difference you see
Is the thing wrong with me,
According to Emily Post!

by Ray Romine Wednesday, October 13, 1948

Come right out, when on the brink
Of saying exactly what you think;
We’re friends, old man, and speech is free–
So long as you agree with me……

by Ray Romine Sunday, September 10, 1950

I seek out friends who welcome me
With greeting hale and hearty;
But he who claps me on the back
Can find some other party.

It’s not that such things are beneath me–
I just don’t like to swallow teeth. See?

by Ray Romine Saturday, March 12, 1949

Though modesty requires
Shushing it,
Ego desires
Discussing it.

Please don’t think I
Drop pearls all glistening-
I’m the guy
Who’s stuck with listening.

by Ray Romine Friday, August 11, 1950

Although they rhyme, you’ll find that tact
Is quite some way removed from fact.

by Ray Romine Saturday, October 7, 1950

I think, as I am being danced
Inevitably doorward:
Sometimes we call ourselves advanced
When we are only forward.

by Ray Romine Thursday, April 10, 1952

Youth must be served, I will admit,
But could you give a little bit.
And let a man (who’s old to you)
Stay on the public sidewalk too?

by Ray Romine Tuesday, October 8, 1946

Don’t expect me to answer
“GOODNIGHT!” because
I am asleep–
At least, I was.

by Ray Romine Wednesday, November 9, 1949

We’re strangers, hence it’s sweet that you
Include me in your GOODNIGHT! too.
It ought to thrill, but never does,
{For I’m asleep. At least, I was.}
{For I’m in bed asleep. Or was.}

by Ray Romine Thursday, November 10, 1949