A Ballad of Burial

 ("Saint Proxed's ever was the Church for peace")
If down here I chance to die,
 Solemnly I beg you take
All that is left of "I"
 To the Hills for old sake's sake,
Pack me very thoroughly
 In the ice that used to slake
Pegs I drank when I was dry --
 This observe for old sake's sake.


To the railway station hie,
 There a single ticket take
For Umballa -- goods-train -- I
 Shall not mind delay or shake.

I shall rest contentedly
 Spite of clamor coolies make;
Thus in state and dignity
 Send me up for old sake's sake.


Next the sleepy Babu wake,
 Book a Kalka van "for four.
"
Few, I think, will care to make
 Journeys with me any more
As they used to do of yore.

 I shall need a "special" break --
Thing I never took before --
 Get me one for old sake's sake.


After that -- arrangements make.

 No hotel will take me in,
And a bullock's back would break
 'Neath the teak and leaden skin
Tonga ropes are frail and thin,
 Or, did I a back-seat take,
In a tonga I might spin, --
 Do your best for old sake's sake.


After that -- your work is done.

 Recollect a Padre must
Mourn the dear departed one --
 Throw the ashes and the dust.

Don't go down at once.
 I trust
 You will find excuse to "snake
Three days' casual on the bust.
"
 Get your fun for old sake's sake.


I could never stand the Plains.

 Think of blazing June and May
Think of those September rains
 Yearly till the Judgment Day!
I should never rest in peace,
 I should sweat and lie awake.

Rail me then, on my decease,
 To the Hills for old sake's sake.

Biography | Poems | Best Poems | Short Poems | Quotes | Email Poem |

Poems are below...