The Other Gum
Well Boory, I have read your “grin”,
And listened to your whine;
I only wish you’d sent it in
Before I printed mine.
You see, I never meant to hit
The new-chum Jackaroo;
I only tried to write a skit
On poets—such as you.
We’re sinners all—the world knows that,
But damned mean sinners some—
(The 'possum you are barking at
is up the other gum).
But sneer in safety if you choose
I’ve no hand in the game;
I will not fight the crawlers who’s
Afraid to sign his name.
I never strike without a mark—
’Tis safer in the end;
For he who hits back in the dark
Might chance to hurt a 'friend’!
The game is stale, your jokes are flat,
You might as well be dumb—
(The 'possum you are howling at
Is up another gum).
The Truth, 1893
