Before

How oftentimes you think you’ve struck

     A new and bright idea;

You jot it own instanter then

     While it is good and clear.

You work it out when you get time,

     While you enthuse galore;

You think ‘twill pass, but find, alas!

     It has been done before.

Inventors have these troubles too,

     At least they tell me so;

They cannot pick a fortune up

     Wherever they may go.

They think they’ve got a thing that’s sure,

     They look the records o’er;

Nine out of ten they’re saddened men,

     It has been done before.

A pretty girl! Ah, what more fair?

     You wish to know her well;

You’re introduced, become good friends,

     And soon your love tale tell.

You wish you might, “just-kiss-her-once,”

     You hint, but nothing more;

“Sure thing,” says she, O Christmusee!

     She has been kissed before!

June 3, ‘09

(original working title was ‘Been Done’)