Babbitt Attends a Recital

The piece was long
And I was sure that I would nod.
The artist, going strong,
Was playing it, I guess, for God.

Too long, it seemed,
For change, I balanced knee on knee.
I nodded, dreamed,
I waked, and nudged the woman next to me.

I felt quite bored
But turned, expecting to apologise.
Yes, turned. Good lord!
I wish you'd seen that woman and her eyes.

That whole vast mob
Had slipped away from her, I guess;
One broken sob
Heaved in her throat and burst her dress.

They were forgot
And even God or I would need a telephone.
Yes, gone to pot!
And Paderewski and that woman were alone.

^__Margaret E. Haughawout.

Sheep's Clothing
Margaret E. Haughawout
Page 54
(Pittsburg, Kansas: __. 1929)