And I, unheeded, offer you mere truth.

BALLADE FOR MORALISTS

Sing me a lilting, laughing song,

Some spritely, springtime roundelay,

That’s not too burdensome or long ...

That hasn’t got too much to say.

O sing of goblin, elf or fay,

And deck your verse with imagery

Just this remember: Make it gay ...

O poet, do not preach to me!