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I’ve Tried To And Can’t

Usually, come each September,
I dread old Jackie Frost’s approach.
As warm days spurn us, we stoke the furnace–
To just the door may he encroach.

He makes me wear my gloves and ear-muffs,
And store away my bathing suit;
He over-powers my choicest flowers
In the hey-day of their yout’.

All the pumpkins and the melons
Give up at his frigid step.
Just the squirrels (boys and girrels)
Seem infected with his pep.

Our summer, though, has been so ghoulish
My garden isn’t quite the same;
For such a zany, wet and rainy,
I can hardly take the blame.

So THIS year, Jack, you’re welcome, really,
I’ll trade my linens for my tweeds–
You I’ll pardon in the garden–
Hurry, boy, and KILL THOSE WEEDS!

by Ray Romine Thursday, September 16, 1943

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I’m Warning You

Do that again, my friend, and I
Can hardly let the thing go by.
Punishment is surely slated;
Retaliation indicated.
I’ll stare you down; eye you askance;
And give you, likely–one more chance?

by Ray Romine Tuesday, May 13, 1952

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I’m Waiting For A Bus, Maybe?

I walk into a restaurant;
I ask for sudden service,
And when an hour has elapsed,
I get a little nervous.

How pointedly, then, I ignore
The waitress’ outstretched flipper.
When today’s meals don’t arrive today,
I’m hanged if I will tip her!

by Ray Romine Tuesday, August 14, 1951

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I’m Tired

We wonder, as painfully homeward we drag,
Myself and war-worker colleague,
Which number the more in the war’s tragic lists-
Those killed by the guns, or FATIGUE?

by Ray Romine Thursday, August 5, 1943

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I’m Surprised Too!

I’ve chewed my pencil;
I’ve cudgeled my brain
For a well-written couplet
Or witty quatrain,
And though it’s not nearly
So clever as most,
I’ll settle for this
If it gets in the Post.

(It didn’t)

by Ray Romine Wednesday, April 9, 1952