Yawcob Strauss and Other Poems/Sequel to the "One-Horse Shay"




 * Doubtless my readers all have heard
 * Of the "wonderful one-horse shay "
 * That "went to pieces all at once"
 * On the terrible earthquake-day.


 * But did they ever think of the horse,
 * Or mourn the loss of him,—
 * The "ewe-necked bay" (who drew the "shay"),
 * So full of life and vim?


 * He was a wonderful nag, I'm told,
 * In spite of his old "rat-tail;"
 * And, though he always minded the rein,
 * He laughed at the snow and hail.


 * He had the finest stable in town,
 * With plenty of oats and hay;
 * And to the parson's oft "Hud-dup"
 * He never would answer neigh.


 * To the parson's shay he was ever true,
 * Though her other felloes were tired:
 * To live and die with his fiancée
 * Was all that his heart desired.


 * He was much attached to his ancient mate;
 * So the parson "hitched them together;"
 * And, when they went on their bridle tour,
 * His heart was light as a feather.


 * We all remember her awful fate,
 * On that sad November day,
 * When nothing remained but a heap of trash,
 * That once was a beautiful shay.


 * Oh! what could stir-up the equine breast
 * Like this fearful, harrowing blow.
 * Which put a check on his happiness,
 * And filled his heart with w(h)oa.


 * As he wheeled about, a shaft of pain
 * Entered his faithful breast,
 * As he there beheld the sad remains
 * Of her whom he loved the best.


 * With a sudden bound and fearful snort,
 * He sped away like the wind;
 * And a fact most queer I'll mention here, —
 * No traces were left behind.