The bank broke and I lost my savings. <br />I was sick of the tiresome game in Spoon River <br />And I made up my mind to run away <br />And leave my place in life and my family; <br />But just as the midnight train pulled in, <br />Quick off the steps jumped Cully Green <br />And Martin Vise, and began to fight <br />To settle their ancient rivalry, <br />Striking each other with fists that sounded <br />Like the blows of knotted clubs. <br />Now it seemed to me that Cully was winning, <br />When his bloody face broke into a grin <br />Of sickly cowardice, leaning on Martin <br />And whining out "We're good friends, Mart, <br />You know that I'm your friend." <br />But a terrible punch from Martin knocked him <br />Around and around and into a heap. <br />And then they arrested me as a witness, <br />And I lost my train and staid in Spoon River <br />To wage my battle of life to the end. <br />Oh, Cully Green, you were my savior -- <br />You, so ashamed and drooped for years, <br />Loitering listless about the streets, <br />And tying rags 'round your festering soul, <br />Who failed to fight it out.<br /><br />Edgar Lee Masters<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/henry-tripp/
