Selections from Trella Romine's library at Terradise Nature Center
Ray Romine Poems
“President Truman says he wouldn’t appoint Lewis Dog-catcher. Lewis answers Truman.”
…News item.
While these two are tossing the wit
As to whom should catch dogs, let us quit
Trying to clout ’em.
The country, without ’em
Might run on its own for a bit.
by Ray Romine Friday, October 6, 1950
The zoo no longer is a treat:
I can’t stand animals eating meat!
by Ray Romine Saturday, October 13, 1951
This ends
Just friends?
by Ray Romine Saturday, October 19, 1946
Who says Do Not Borrow Trouble?
Borrow here–and on the double!
You’re the man I’ll loan it to, and by the stack;
I’m experienced; I have sorrowed;
I know from the things you’ve borrowed
You’re the guy for sure who’ll never bring it back!
by Ray Romine Wednesday, September 12, 1951
Husbands aren’t ever routed
Half so much as they’re out-shouted.
by Ray Romine Sunday, December 3, 1950
Sometimes our children’s ways are not
Ideal, but parents, on the spot;
Can shout this question loud and far:
Exactly just whose kiddies’ are?
by Ray Romine Friday, September 15, 1950
Daughter’s books take up one chair;
The evening paper’s also there;
Daughter’s skirts, all freshly pressed,
Use the davenport to rest;
Daughter’s bobby pins and comb
Call the coffee-table home;
The desk peeks out; it coyly totes
Daughter’s hat and several coats.
Last but far from least, herself
Sprawls upon the window shelf.
Be-jeaned, agrin, and freckle-spattered,
Daughter is a little scattered!
by Ray Romine Tuesday, September 16, 1952
While the old car’s heinous rattles
Get to mean but little to one ,
How the average owner battles
One wee tinkle in his new one.
by Ray Romine Saturday, June 17, 1950
What is cuter than a hat?
Some are large to keep the sun off;
Not a few are very flat;
Some are made so rain can run off.
Firemen wear a special kind;
Miners’ are half-light-and-half-hat;
But most of woman’s were designed
For her man to look and laugh at.
by Ray Romine Monday, June 30, 1952
Tremendous forces work each day
To rob me of my weekly pay,
Pleasure to me is the foe
That takes away my hard-earned dough;
Joy’s the thing that really heckles
Me apart from sundry shekels,
Any frolic, any bender
Costs its bit of legal tender:
A train ride just to old Paducah
Takes a wad of filthy lucah;
Night-clubs, burlesque, women, liquor
Help my money fade the quicker.
Any little bit of pleasure
Cuts into my buried treasure.
Even to just stop and wonder
Takes, for books, its share of plunder.
And, if you are in the mood,
Think what costs my yen for food!
So I live beneath this lash:
If it’s fun, I pay in cash!
by Ray Romine Saturday, October 26, 1946