SONGS IN A SHOWER BATH
Reading edition
HOT WATER
Gently, while the drenching dribble Courses down my sweltered form, I am basking like a sybil, Lazy, languorous and warm. I am unambitious, flaccid, Well content to drowse and dream: How I hate life's bitter acid— Leave me here to stew and steam. Underneath this jet so torrid I forget the world's sad wrath: O activity is horrid! Leave me in my shower-bath!
COLD WATER
But when I turn the crank O Zeus! A silver ecstasy thrills me! I caper and slap my chilled thighs, I plan to make a card index of all my ideas And feel like an efficiency expert. I tweak Fate by the nose And know I could succeed in anything. I throw up my head And glut myself with icy splatter... To-day I will really Begin my career!