Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
A Catch for SingingWilfrid Wilson Gibson
S
“Alack, and well-a-day!”
Said the Young Old Man to the Old Young Man:
“The cherry-tree’s in flourish!”
“The world is growing gray.”
Said the Young Old Man to the Old Young Man:
“The cherry-tree’s in flourish!”
“Both flower and fruit decay.”
Said the Young Old Man to the Old Young Man:
“The cherry-tree’s in flourish!”
“Alack, and well-a-day!
The world is growing gray:
And flower and fruit decay.
Beware, Old Man—beware, Old Man!
For the end of life is nearing;
And the grave yawns by the way …”
“I’m a trifle hard of hearing;
And can’t catch a word you say …
But the cherry-tree’s in flourish!”