Classic Poem

Dreamed last night that Washington,
Hamilton and Jefferson,
Came to visit me.
Lincoln came along likewise —
O those grave and kindly eyes! —
With the other three.

I was much disturbed at first
In such company immersed.
Knew not what to say.
Seemed as though the gods had come
On a visit to my home.
Wondered if they'd stay.

Felt as if four statues great
Full of pomp and regal state
Sat about the room.
Got as nervous as a cat
Wondering what they were at —
Soul was full of gloom.

But as moments passed along
Felt my spirits growing strong.
Mr. Lincoln laughed.
Hamilton joked Washington,
Washington joked Jefferson;
Each the other chaffed.

Lincoln slapped me on the back.
Hamilton gave me a whack.
Washington he grinned.
Jefferson got off a joke;
Gave my ribs a gentle poke
As we sat and chinned.

Finally, when it was o'er,
And they vanished from my door,
He of Valley Forge,
As he put his chapeau on
Winked, and whispered, " By-by, John! "
I said, " Good-bye, George! "

Sort of felt that that queer dream
Gave my soul a pleasant gleam
Through the mists that blind,
Really great men after all
Live not on a pedestal
Far above their kind;

Live not from their kin aloof
Using heaven for a roof,
Full of pomp and fuss,
But are full as they can be
Of a real Humanity
Like the rest — of us!