That Wife of Mine
Plain, sterling facts, very clear
and pointed, should exterminate Joseph
before long. Temper and pride
are now aroused, and his insolence
is almost unbearable. "That wife
of mine," when first uttered, only
had an existence on paper. Chafing under
his helpless condition, he had lately
made a break for liberty. Prospects
were never better, three times as much
as the privilege is worth, and upon
retiring to bed, we had a high old time.
The night's labor reached a higher
pitch every morning, until the Sultan
swept bare every novelty to tickle
the palates. He is not so sick as he was,
at least he is well enough to declare
that he will stand no more foolishness
from the peanut vendors. Free and
easy women can take a back seat to
"that wife of mine."
An Answer to the Dance of Death
Love is hopeful, and worthy of
encouragement. The impenetrable fastness
capitulates with a sigh of acquiescence.
More and more locked, faster and faster
flies the iron horse, till at last we are
warned of the sudden terminus of our day's
journey. Each grip of the hand reminds
us that time lost, or misspent, is a loss to us
ever and aye. They all like it, the dance
of life, hiding from the gaze of the curious
with a drapery of foliage.
Words of Abuse
I met with one the other night
who had imbibed the notion that I was
a deadly drug, so sugar-coated as
to be a dainty morsel to its victims.
The poisoned man made many
a cute remark, all of which were true
and correct. I warned him to be
careful, for death may be immediate
by pouring the antidote upon the
floor. And lo, hands began to clutch,
eyes to flash with new delight.
Stephen Kagarise 