Classic Poem

A MELANCHOLY little man was seated on the ground;
He showed supreme indifference to everything around.
" Why do you not run home, " I cried, " and tumble into bed? "
He looked at me expressively, and presently he said:

— — " One rubber plant can never make a home,
— — Not even when combined with brush and comb,
And spoon, and fork, and knife,
And graphophone, and wife.
— — No! Something more is needed for a home. "

I said: " What does your dwelling lack? The pretty hearth-side tone?
The note of domesticity? " He gave a fearful groan.
" Alas! " he cried, while from his seat he slowly upward bobbed
And seized his hat, " a flat's a flat! " Together then we sobbed:

— — " One rubber plant can never make a home;
— — One day did not suffice for building Rome.
One gas-log and a cat
Can't civilize a flat.
— — No! Something more is needed for a home. "