Two well-built men, neither giant nor dwarf,
Were Monsieur Elims and Mynheer Nworf.
They lived in a town not far away,
And spent their time in work and play.
Now Monsieur Elims was loved by all–
By rich and poor, by great and small.
And Mynheer Nworf remarked one day,
“Brother, explain to me, I pray,
Why no one likes me as well as you,
No matter what I may say or do.
I have stores of knowledge packed in my head;
I am learned and wise and very well read;
I can dance, I can sing, I’m extremely polite;
I am worth a large fortune all in my own right.
But still,–and this question has caused me much thought,–
While I am neglected, you’re everywhere sought.”
Monsieur Elims replied: “My dear sir, that is true,
But you see, I am I, and you see, you are you.
If I receive praises and you receive blame,
‘Tis doubtless because each lives up to his name.”
You’ll find his defence rather puzzling, I fear;
But read their names backward–the meaning is clear.
(Carolyn Wells)
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Based on Topics: Man Poems, Mind Poems, Name Poems, Thought & Thinking Poems, Fear Poems, Wisdom & Knowledge Poems, Work & Career Poems, Brothers Poems, Dancing Poems, Courtesy PoemsBased on Keywords: well-built, monsieur, puzzling, mynheer, still-and