The Habit

No more he hangs upon the porch,

     The drummer fat and smiling,

Or spends his leisure writing home,

     The weary hours beguiling.

He hustles round till supper time,

     Then soon as he can grab it

He takes his lid and saunters out –

     He’s got the “movie” habit.

No more the boys and girls at home

     Pass nights in childish pleasure,

In singing songs or playing games

     Like which they used to treasure.

They take the nickels that they earn

     And scoot like any rabbit,

Down to the “Acme” or the “Star” –

     They’ve got the “movie” habit.

And pa and ma are not exempt,

     They do a little shopping,

Then drop into the “movie” shows

     Where all the rest are stopping.

It is so strange, this movie craze

     Some unseen force should nab it;

I’d like to stop and write some more,

     But – well, I’ve got the habit!

                                             May 15, 1913

                                              Sent Times May 16

                                       

                                                                     

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