Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/126

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118
THE PHILISTINE


She's quite a pretty girl, his wife.
    Our women-folk declare
It is a shame she spoiled her life
    By wedding such a bear.
And yet she seems quite satisfied
    With this peculiar man;
And says, with rather foolish pride,
    He is Bohemian.

He will not join our tennis club,
    Nor come to may'ral balls,
Nor meet the neighbours in a rub
    At bridge, nor pay them calls.
He just delights to scoff and sneer,
    And feigns to be amused
At everything we hold most dear—
    What wonder he's abused?

Although he's ostracized a deal
    He never makes a fuss;
I sometimes think he seems to feel
    He ostracizes us!
But that, of course, is quite absurd;
    And, risking the disgrace,
I sometimes say a kindly word
   When I pass by his place.