Classic Poem

I'm the shabby relic of yestereve —
spent it with a lady and a gentleman —
lady cost him thirteen dollars, fourteen agonies —
I but fifteen cents!
Yet I who helped him with his revery,
helped him decide to marry her,
helped him better than stammer the proposal,
helped him reform, give up painting, start in business, start a home
home, children, furniture, trappings and all,
all a consequential adjunct to the realm —
I who helped him be what he is —
me he threw in the gutter —
me, at least, the tomb of what he was!