Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/126

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She's quite a pretty girl, his wife. Our women-folk declare It is a shame she spoiled her life By wedding such a bear. And yet she seems quite satisfied With this peculiar man; And says, with rather foolish pride, He is Bohemian.

He will not join our tennis club, Nor come to may'ral balls, Nor meet the neighbours in a rub At bridge, nor pay them calls. He just delights to scoff and sneer, And feigns to be amused At everything we hold most dear— What wonder he's abused?

Although he's ostracized a deal He never makes a fuss; I sometimes think he seems to feel He ostracizes us! But that, of course, is quite absurd; And, risking the disgrace, I sometimes say a kindly word When I pass by his place.