Page:Near nature's heart; a volume of verse (IA nearnaturesheart00jack).pdf/49

 But a "coon" in new ground, with a kicking mule! Just so I am far from his heels and am free To look, and to listen like a pupil in school; Though frankly I admit, I at times played the fool, Till the lessons of life had widened my sea, And harder experience had deepened me.

Ye fates, do not bring the worst unto me, That of trying to handle a nondescript mule, In a rooty new ground—O the depths of the sea I'd choose, in the hope with the fish to be free; However, such choosing would prove me a fool— No applicant I for a sea-bottom school.

Since I've come to think, 'twas a German-tried school; And a submarine ship was never for me; And the proudest old Hun thus out-reached the fool. But behold, you elect, a nigger and a mule, In new ground in August—thank God I am free! I'm only a witness on a smoother sea.

God bless his wide sea, and the nigger in school; And all men make free—'twould be heaven for me— And God bless the poor mule, and the mule-headed fool.

By L. Gregg