Successful Failure

Robert William Service

I wonder if successful men
          Are always happy?
And do they sing with gusto when
          Springtime is sappy?
Although I am of snow-white hair
          And nighly mortal,
Each time I sniff the April air
                    I chortle.

I wonder if a millionaire
          Jigs with enjoyment,
Having such heaps of time to spare
          For daft employment.
For as I dance the Highland Fling
          My glee is muckle,
And doping out new songs to sing
                    I chuckle.

I wonder why so soon forgot
          Are fame and riches;
Let cottage comfort be my lot
          With well-worn britches.
As in a pub a poor unknown,
          Brown ale quaffing,
To think of all I’ll never own,—
                    I’m laughing.

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