Answer to a Squib in Verse

(Transcribed from original:)

Answer to a squib in verse concerning a fierce Battle of Victuals in a menu card sent to Fr. John.

He or she who composed this fight

In carnal things is wondrous bright.

Unhampered with a golden fleece

Genius revels throughout the piece,

Sportively, like mocking birds

Glorying in its play of words.

As poets oft a mist throw round

Their images to hold spell-bound

Admirers who must stop and weigh

The various meanings they convey,

So you who wrote this fight so well

Did not the "casus belli" tell.

We know not why the rumpus rose

So each one can the why suppose.

Sing on, sing on, your voice is true- 

This gift is given but to a few.

Despite drawbacks, raise high that voice

And it will make your friends rejoice.

Well pleased am I with your battle-cry

Which talents show of worth most high.

Which proves that in you mirth resides

And with it innocence abides.

Change please your tune and for us treat

A theme that will to souls be sweet.

'Tis in your reach God's love to tell

Or on our Mother's virtues dwell,

Or sketch some warrior's career

Whom our grand Commonwealth holds dear.

In every fied your mind can roam

And feel in a short time at home: -

But leave in verse the monks alone,

This theme to you is hard, I own.

Joseph. Aug. 1912.