Why He Loves His Wheel

Before Van Haven married was,

     He scorned to ride a wheel;

Each night with eager steps I saw

     Him to his sweetheart steal.

But now each night when supper’s o’er

     I see him scorch away;

And that he loves his wheel the best,

     I hear the neighbors say.

I questioned him, “my wife,” says he,

     “For talking takes the lead;

I love my wheel the more because

     It is a ‘silent’ steed.

June 20, ‘97

Camb. Press,

Oct. 23, ‘97