Classic Poem

There is a garden in our square,
And householders can have the key,
On payment of an annual fee;
Yet no one enters there!

From August till the first of May,
This garden is an empty place;
No puppy-dogs their tails may chase,
No children romp and play!

Here faithful pug or Pekinese
With chain and collar must be led,
Lest he disturb some flower-bed
That no one ever sees!

Here ragged urchins from the street
Peer through the bars with wistful eyes
On a deserted Paradise,
Untrod by children's feet!

Some day, I know, with guilty grin,
That garden gate I shall unlock,
Collect this squalid little flock
And lead them gaily in!

And, 'spite of by-laws and decrees,
Poor Ponto's collar I'll detach,
And let him run about and scratch,
And scamper at his ease!

What matter then that neighbours glare
At happy dog or grubby boys,
If somebody at last enjoys
The garden in our square?