Classic Poem

Ten o'clock! Well, I'm sure I can't help it!
I'm up — go away from the door!
Now, children, I'll speak to your mother
If you pound there like that any more.

How tired I do feel? — Where's that cushion? —
I don't want to move from this chair;
I wish Marie'd make her appearance!
I really can't do my own hair.

I wish I'd not danced quite so often —
I knew I'd feel tired! but it's hard
To refuse a magnificent dancer
If you have a place left on your card.

I was silly to wear that green satin.
It's a shame that I've spotted it so —
All down the front breadth — it's just ruined —
No trimming will hide that, I know.

That's me! Have a costume imported,
And spoil it the very first night! —
I might make an overskirt of it,
That shade looks so lovely with white.

How horrid my eyes look! Good gracious!
I hope that I didn't catch cold
Sitting out on the stairs with Will Stacy;
If Ma knew that, wouldn't she scold!

She says he's so fast — well, who isn't? —
Dear! where is Marie? — how it rains! —
I don't care; he's real nice and handsome.
And his talk sounds as if he'd some brains.

I do wonder what is the reason,
That good men are all like Joe Price,
So poky, and stiff, and conceited,
And fast ones are always so nice. —

Just see how Joe acted last evening!
He didn't come near me at all,
Because I danced twice with Will Stacy
That night at the Charity ball.

I didn't care two pins to do it;
But Joe said I mustn't, — and so —
I just did — he isn't my master,
Nor shan't be, I'd like him to know.

I don't think he looked at me even,
Though just to please him I wore green, —
And I'd saved him three elegant dances, —
I wouldn't have acted so mean.

The way he went on with Nell Hadley;
Dear me! just as if I would care!
I'd like to see those two get married,
They'd make a congenial pair!

I'm getting disgusted with parties; —
I think I shall stop going out;
What's the use of this fussing for people
I don't care the least bit about.

I did think that Joe had some sense once;
But, my, he's just like all the men!
And the way that I've gone on about him, —
Just see if I do it again!

Only wait till the next time I see him,
I'll pay him back; won't I be cool!
I've a good mind to drop him completely —
I'll — yes I will — go back to school.

The bell! — who can that be, I wonder! —
Let's see — I declare! why, it's Joe! —
How long they are keeping him waiting!
Good gracious! why don't the girl go! —

Yes — say I'll be down in a minute —
Quick, Marie, and do up my hair! —
Not that bow — the green one — Joe likes it —
How slow you are! — I'll pin it — there!