Classic Poem

You are old, " " Father World," cried the Graduate,
" But for one of your age and size,
I feel it is only my duty to state
You are not uncommonly wise. "

I am aged, " replied Father World, " it is true.
And not very wise I agree.
Do you think tho' it's fair for a scholar like you
To abuse an old fossil like me? "

Said the youth, " I refer not to college degrees,
Nor dates that one crams in his skull,
I complain not because you are lacking in these,
But because you're so awfully dull!

" I have studied you now I should think more or less
For twenty-one years, and I know
You right through and through, and I can but confess
You are really confoundedly slow. "

Said the world, " My dear sir, you are right, there's no crime
Like dulness — henceforth I will try
To be clever — forgive me! I'm taking your time,
Perhaps we'll meet later! Good-bye! "

" You are cold, Father World, and harden'd forsooth, "
Cried the man, " and exceeding wise,
And for any offensive remarks of my youth
I beg to apologize. "