Hand me my light gloves, James; <br />I'm off for the waltzing world, <br />The kingdom of Strauss and that- <br />Where is my old crush-hat? <br /> <br />Is <br />my hair properly curled? <br />Call in the daytime, James. <br /> <br />Think of me, won't you, James, <br />When I am rosily twirling <br />The 'Rose of a garden of girls,' <br />The Pearl among circling pearls, <br />In a mesh of melodious whirling? <br />Envy me, won't you, James? <br /> <br />For a heart lost along with her fan, <br />For a nice sense of honor flown, <br />For the care of an invalid soul, <br />And tastes far beyond my control,- <br />I have for my precious own <br />The fame of a 'waltzing man.' <br /> <br />If I don't come, come for me, James. <br />Ah, the waltz is my mastering passion! <br />The trip-tripping airs are as sweet <br />As love to my turning feet, <br />While I clasp the fair doll of fashion, <br />My _fianc饟. But come for me, James. <br /> <br />The heart which I lost-it is strange- <br />I've been told it will yet be my death; <br />And I think it quite likely I might <br />Waltz once too often to-night, <br />In spite of the music and Beth. <br />Death's a difficult move to arrange. <br /> <br />Pray smoke by the fire, old boy, <br />And find yourself whiskey and books. <br />If I should not turn up, then, at two <br />Or three, you will know I need you. <br />If I'm dead, you must pardon my looks <br />As I lie in the ball-room, old boy.<br /><br />Rose Hawthorne Lathrop<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/used-up-3/
