Burglars

From The Seattle Star, September 25, 1912.
By Berton Braley.
 

 The burglar in the story book
 Is really quite a noble crook.
 He’s sure to be a gentleman
 Upon whose high-bred face you scan
 A goodliness that seems to shine
 With every motive pure and fine.
 His clothes are always very smart
 And, my! He has a tender heart.
 
 A baby always makes him quit
 His burgling in the midst of it,
 And if a lady, young and slim,
 Should meet him in the hallway dim,
 He tells her all about his life—
 A bitter struggle, full of strife—
 And leaves the house, his bosom warm
 With brave endeavor to reform.
 Ah, yes, he is a pleasing crook,
 The burglar in the story book.
 
 Alas, for story-book repute,
 The real-life burglar is a brute.
 He is not cultured, swell or smart;
 He has a hard and ruthless heart.
 For sentiment he has no time.
 There is no glamour to his crime,
 And if he meets you in the hall
 He’ll doubtless murder you, that’s all.
 He’s pretty tough and bad and low,
 The burglar that policemen know.