Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 148, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 June 1919 — THE CHAPERON [ARTICLE]

THE CHAPERON

I take my chaperon to the play— She thinks she’s taking mA And the gilded youth who owns the box, A proud young man is he; But how would his young heart be hurt If he could only know That not for his sweet sake I go Nor yet to see the trifling show, But to see my chaperon flirt. Her eyes beneath her snowy hair They sparkle young as mine; There’s scarce a wrinkle in her hand So delicate and -fine. And when my chaperon is seen, They come from everywhere— The dear o!6 boys with silvery hair. With old-time grace and old-time air. To greet their old-time queen. *l3l. They bow as my young Midas here Will never learn to bow (The dancing masters do not teach That gracious reverence now); With voices quavering just a bit, They play their old parts through. They talk of folk who used to woo. Of hearts that broke in fifty-two— Now none th’e worse for wear. And as those aged crickets chirp I watch my chaperon’s face, And see the dear old features take A new and tender grace: i And in«her happy eyes I see Her youth awakening bright. With all its hope, desire, delight— Ah, me! I wish that I were quite As young—as gay as,she! —Henry Cuyler Bunner.