Lines to the Cook

From the Evening Star, November 29, 1913. By Philander Johnson.

Oh, say not so! Oh, say not so!
    Wound not a weary heart!
Do not regard us as your foe
    And say that we must part.
Oh, modify that angry look
    While we express regret.
You are a most accomplished cook
    And cooks are hard to get.

Oh, speak not thus! Oh, speak not thus!
    Pray set that suit case down!
If you’ll consent to cook for us,
    No one shall chide or frown.
Our casual comments we shall quit.
    No fault we’ll find with you,
For as a cook you are a hit
    And cooks are very few.