Classic Poem

Dear friend, whose merry Christmas card
Came yestermorning to my view,
Wishes this weary, daily bard
The same to you.

You put me on your annual list
As though you wished me to recall
The simple fact that you exist
On earth at all.

I hold that lying is a crime;
I haven't thought of you, old bean,
A single thought since Christmas time
Nineteen Nineteen.

Perhaps our lives have gone askew;
The town is full of lights and lures.
I have my various jobs to do,
And you have yours.

Why not take up, old friend of mine,
The threads? … Or, if you like, old kicks,
Ignore each other till Christmas Nine-
Teen Twenty Six?

Dear friend, whose merry Christmas card
Came yestermorning to my view,
Wishes this weary, daily bard
The same to you.

You put me on your annual list
As though you wished me to recall
The simple fact that you exist
On earth at all.

I hold that lying is a crime;
I haven't thought of you, old bean,
A single thought since Christmas time
Nineteen Nineteen.

Perhaps our lives have gone askew;
The town is full of lights and lures.
I have my various jobs to do,
And you have yours.

Why not take up, old friend of mine,
The threads? … Or, if you like, old kicks,
Ignore each other till Christmas Nine-
Teen Twenty Six?