The Moving Picture Crank

I’m happy now, so happy I

Must sit right down and tell you why.

For years my good wife would oppose

My going to the picture shows.

While I could see no harm therein,

She thought it was a mortal sin.

And so to live in sweet repose

I’ve had to cut the picture shows.

But now, O now, all’s well for me!

The President has been to see.

The President has been and seen

Himself upon the moving screen,

And if it’s right for him to see

I guess it won’t work harm for me.

I’m going home my wife to face,

And say that ‘Bill” has set the pace.

July 22, ‘09

The Free Lance (VA), Volume 24, Number 76, 24 July 1909