Poems (Geisse)/My Legacies
MY LEGACIES.
When I read, as oft it happens, That some kicky millionaire, Has just died and left a fortune For his relatives to share,
Then I say alas!—if only That old chap had known me, If I'd had the happy fortune To have been his legatee.
For although I've been remembered By departed kith and kin, I have never had the present Of a legacy of tin.
Uncle Samuel always liked me, Though he could not leave me wealth,But I have the gout in memory Of his poor rheumatic self.
And Aunt Mary, heaven give her All the peace that she deserves,Left me as a last memento A large legacy of nerves.
Uncle Robert was a spendthrift And had nothing to divide, But his love of ease and luxury, And his share of family pride.
These, alas! as fate would have it, Was my legacy from him, Though he often used to snub me As the poorest of his kin.
While my dear paternal grand-pa, A good man I never knew, Left me nothing but a record Of the things he'd hoped to do.
Think you not I've cause to grumble And occasionally repine? Can a man be always cheerful Who has legacies like mine?