That Old Cornet Of Mine

That old cornet of mine – ah me!

     I scarce can check my tears.

‘Tis now a brassy memory,

     Corroded with the years.

So quaint and odd was its design,

That dear old brass cornet of mine!

That old cornet of mine – egad!

     No happier lad was born;

And ah! what golden dreams I had

     While rubbing up that horn!

So like a diamond it did shine,

That dear old brass cornet of mine!

That old cornet of mine was more

     Than all the world to me;

How couples skipped along the floor

     While dancing merrily.

It made them feel so mighty fine,

That “witchin’” old cornet of mine.

That old cornet of mine has made

     Full many hearts grow sad;

And yet, when it aside was laid,

     Folks said that they were glad.

Reluctantly did I resign

That dear old brass cornet of mine.

That old cornet of mine – alas!

     Remembrance adds a wreath;

I had to leave that reverenced brass

     Because I had false teeth.

But, joy! My youngster, just turned nine,

Shall toot that old cornet of mine.

Oct. 9, ‘91

Pub. in Jean White’s

    Leader,

       Boston