Classic Poem

(W HO Died J ANUARY 1920, A GED 26)

A quiet lad who knew his trade,
And always smart and clean —
None knew the name he might have made
Or what he might have been
Upon the stage or in the ring,
If fate had willed it so,
For he could box and he could sing,
But three short years ago.

And yet he left his work well done,
His master's praises loud;
A first-class tradesman, and a son
To make a mother proud.
A cheerful, straight and sober mate,
A good all-round athlete:
Ah, would that men who longer live
Were nearly so complete!