At Rockaway

                                  To certain summer maidens who were suing for a man.

Dear girls at far off Rockaway,

     I’m grieving o’er your state;

Your sorrow caused by lack of men

     Must certainly be great.

Now I’m a bright good looking chap,

     With naught at all to do;

Can flirt and swim, and row a boat

     To suit the best of you.

But as regarding finances,

     Dear girls, I’m simply floored;

But I will come to Rockaway

     If you will pay my board.

Aug. 8, ‘97

Pub. in Camb.

 Times,

  Aug. 12, ‘98

From New York Public Library