VAGRANT VERSE

Southland Times, Issue 20116, 1 March 1927, Page 6

VAGRANT VERSE

THE ORETI ANTHOLOGY

71.—The Climber. To the Conrad Clan (Written for the Southland Times.) When all the miles began to grow And the only thing outside was rain; He looked across his nose —just so — And whispered “Dash this train!” He was so smooth, so nicely shaved, And had his pants all pressed; And otherwise so well behaved, He is “some gun,” I guessed! At last he asked me for a light, And passed some large cigars. The train rushed on into the night, And clattered towards the stars. He said, “When I was Home last year, I met the President, I drank the best of wine and beer, And a thousand dollars spent.” I said, “My friends.are far between, They are not all quite trim; But still to take them, fat or lean, The best of all’s ‘Lord Jim.’ ” Lord Jim.” he said, “gee, that is fine— And does he say ‘Haw—Haw!’ And does he own a deep coal mine, And boast a cast iron jaw?” “Or does he live in some old fort On lands as rich as gold, And live a life of merry sport Like the barons brave of old?” I couldn’t get a quiet word in; He held me with his leer, But at last he lightened up his chin; And turned an anxious ear. I said, “I’ll send Lord Jim to you, You’ll find him deep and square, He’ll never try to trim to you, Or call you snob or bear.” “You’ll find he is no pet of Fate, This fact is never dim, And so if you must meet the great, I’ll share my friend, ‘Lord Jim.’ ” Southerner. Invercargill, February 28.