The Toper’s Dodge

King Winter stalks the earth again,

     In many chilling poses;

We feel him try with might and main,

     To pinch our frosty noses.

And that’s the reason, I suppose,

     The fond old toper lingers;

He wants to get a warm red nose

     To burn old winter’s fingers.

Oct. 25, ‘96

Pub. in N.Y.

Sunday Journal,

 Nov. 29, ‘96

                    Toper – a drunk