The Poetry Corner

Prime October.

By John Hartley

Ther's some fowk like watter, An others like beer; It doesn't mich matter, If ther heead is kept clear. But to guzzle an swill, As if aitin an drinkin Wor all a chap lives for, Is wrang to my thinkin. Ivvery gooid thing i' life Should be takken i' reason; Even takkin a wife Should be done i'th' reight season. Tho' i' that case to give Advice is noa use, Aw should ne'er win fowk's thanks But might get some abuse. But if ther's a fault 'At we owt to luk ovver, It's when a chap's tempted Wi' "prime old October." An to cheer up his spirits As nowt else on earth could, He keeps testin its merits, An gets mooar nor he should. Ov coorse he'll be blamed If he gets ovver th' mark; An noa daat he'll feel shamed When he's throo wi' his lark. An he'll promise "it nivver Shall happen agean," Tho' he's feelin all th' time Just as dry as a bean. But who can resist, When it sparkles an shines; An his nooas gets a whif At's mooar fragrant nor wines? Aw'd forgie a teetotaller At sich times, if he fell; - For aw know ha it is, 'Coss aw've been thear mysel.