ARMS AND THE MAN
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oung Croesus went to pay his callOn Colonel Sawbones, Caxton Hall:And, though his wound was healed and mended,He hoped he'd get his leave extended. The waiting-room was dark and bare.He eyed a neat-framed notice thereAbove the fireplace hung to showDisabled heroes where to goFor arms and legs; with scale of price,And words of dignified adviceHow officers could get them free. Elbow or shoulder, hip or knee,--Two arms, two legs, though all were lost,They'd be restored him free of cost. Then a Girl-Guide looked in to say,"Will Captain Croesus come this way?" WHEN I'M AMONG A BLAZE OF LIGHTS ... When I'm among a blaze of lights,With tawdry music and cigarsAnd women dawdling through delights,And officers at cocktail bars,--Sometimes I think of garden nightsAnd elm trees nodding at the stars. I dream of a small firelit roomWith yellow candles burning straight,And glowing pictures in the gloom,And kindly books that hold me late.Of things like these I love to thinkWhen I can never be alone:Then some one says, "Another drink?"--And turns my living heart to stone.
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