We're queer folks here. <br /> We'll talk about the weather, <br /> The good times we have had together, <br />The good times near, <br /> The roses buddin', an' the bees <br /> Once more upon their nectar sprees; <br /> The scarlet fever scare, an' who <br /> Came mighty near not pullin' through, <br /> An' who had light attacks, an' all <br /> The things that int'rest, big or small; <br />But here you'll never hear of sinnin' <br />Or any scandal that's beginnin'. <br />We've got too many other labors <br />To scatter tales that harm our neighbors. <br /> <br />We're strange folks here. <br /> We're tryin' to be cheerful, <br /> An' keep this home from gettin' tearful. <br />We hold it dear <br /> Too dear for pettiness an' meanness, <br /> An' nasty tales of men's uncleanness. <br /> Here you shall come to joyous smilin', <br /> Secure from hate an' harsh revilin'; <br /> Here, where the wood fire brightly blazes, <br /> You'll hear from us our neighbor's praises. <br />Here, that they'll never grow to doubt us, <br />We keep our friends always about us; <br />An' here, though storms outside may pelter <br />Is refuge for our friends, an' shelter. <br /> <br />We've one rule here, <br /> An' that is to be pleasant. <br /> The folks we know are always present, <br />Or very near. <br /> An' though they dwell in many places, <br /> We think we're talkin' to their faces; <br /> An' that keeps us from only seein' <br /> The faults in any human bein', <br /> An' checks our tongues when they'd go trailin' <br /> Into the mire of mortal failin'. <br />Flaws aren't so big when folks are near you; <br />You don't talk mean when they can hear you. <br />An' so no scandal here is started, <br />Because from friends we're never parted.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/just-folks-2/
