When ever my father was caught telling a fib, his father & grandfather would recite a verse to him and his siblings. He would do the same when my brother and I were growing up, and I now do the same for my two daughters. It's just a silly little family tradition we have up here in New England.

The verse goes like this

I stood one day by the breezy bay
watching the craft go by
When an old tar said
with the shake of his head
I Wish I could Tell a lie
Now I've Seen some sights
That would jiggle your lights
And have jiggled my own in sooth
But I'm Not worth a darn
At spinning A Yarn
That wanders away from the truth

I Was Just wondering if anyone knows who the Author is and what the rest of the poem is. Any help is greatly apreatiated

Thank you

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/10/2006 03:04AM by lg.

No author, but more verses here:

[www.legendinc.com] />

Les

Or as a play?
[gamgee.acad.emich.edu] />

Stephen

The poem is called "A Nautical Extravagance" by Wallace Irwin. I learned it back in college for it's rhythm and rhyme.

Try searcing by that title. There are several slightly different versions posted. I have a copy in a book so you might want to try a library.

Paul

Thanks Paul:

[64.233.167.104] />

Les