Mr. Philosopher

By Robert Graves

1895.7.24-1985.12.7

Old Mr. Philosopher
         Comes for Ben and Claire,
An ugly man, a tall man,
         With bright-red hair.

The books that he's written
         No one can read.
"In fifty years they'll understand:
         Now there's no need.

"All that matters now
         Is getting the fun.
Come along, Ben and Claire;
         Plenty to be done."

Then old Philosopher,
         Wisest man alive,
Plays at Lions and Tigers
         Down along the drive--

Gambolling fiercely
         Through bushes and grass,
Making monstrous mouths,
         Braying like an ass,

Twisting buttercups
         In his orange hair,
Hopping like a kangaroo,
         Growling like a bear.

Right up to tea-time
         They frolic there.
"My legs are wingle,"
         Says Ben to Claire.

DayPoems Poem No. 2718
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/2718.html">Mr. Philosopher by Robert Graves</a>

The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor

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