Corinne Roosevelt Robinson
Reading edition
(Who, having engagements to speak at ten unveilings, and nine public schools and twelve other symposiums, stayed away, but sent this handsome tribute by wire.)
THE SYMPOSIUM LEADING NOWHERE
I sing of the joy of the Small Paths The paths that lead nowhere at all, (Though I never have gone on them nevertheless They are admirable, and so small!) I go out at midnight in motors But, being a Roosevelt, I drive Straight ahead on the neatly paved highway, For I wish with much speed to arrive. Oh, the joy and effulgence of Small Paths Surrounded with Birds and with Trees I would love to go down on a Small Path And sit in communion with these! Oh, Grackle, I yearn to be with you, For poetic communion I yearn But I have ten engagements to speak in the suburbs And alas, I've no time to return. Oh alas, the undone moments, Oh, the myriad hours bereft Trying to be twenty people And to do things right and left. I would sit down by a Small Path And would make me a Large Rhyme I should love to find my soul there But I haven't got the time!