Margie

Sweet Margie came upon the beach

     To have her daily swim;

A hundred eyes stared in surprise

     At Margie, plump and trim.

Sweet Margie wore a suit of red;

     As bright as e’er was seen;

But just below (her limbs you know)

     Were clad in quiet green.

We could not think why Margie chose

     This most peculiar hue;

And by the by we asked her why,

     Tho’ bold it were to do.

She laughed a little knowing laugh,

     Without the least surprise;

Then archly said, with tossing head,

     “So they won’t hurt your eyes”

                                   Joe Cone

July 9, 1900