And when I’d wish to read,
That man would not disclose
A thought of harm, but sleep;
Hard-breathing through his nose.
Then when I’d wish to hear
More tales of Africa,
’Twas but to wake him up,
And but a word to say
To press the button, and
Keep quiet; nothing more;
For tales of stretching veldt,
Kaffir and sullen Boer.
O what a lovely friend!
O quiet easy life!
I wonder if his sister
Would care to be my wife....
5. THE MINER
Indomitable energy controlled
By Fate to wayward ends and to half use,
He should have given his service to the Muse,
To most men shy, to him, her humble soldier,
Frank-hearted, generous, bold.
Yet though his fate be cross, he shall not tire
Nor seek another service than his own:
For selfless valour and the primal fire
Shine out from him, as once from great Ulysses,
That king without a throne.
6. UPSTAIRS PIANO
O dull confounded Thing,
You will not sing
Though I distress your keys
With thumps; in ecstasies
Of wrath, at some mis-said
Word of the deathless Dead!
Chopin or dear Mozart,
How must it break your heart
To hear this Beast refuse
The choice gifts of the Muse!
And turn your airy thought
With clumsiness to nought.