THE   YOUNG   MEN'S   CHRISTIAN    ASSOCIATION
IN   RUSSIA
Twelve "Y"s from America stopped at-Japan
On their way 'cross to Vlady - they're called now Y-san.
Five "Y'lsfrom the States on to Vlady did sail,
These "Y"s don't you see, were all species male.
Seven "YT!s then were left in Nippon's fair isle;
Six female and the other one - wherefore the smile*
Yes, wherefore the smile, for the other was "Pop"
Who was quite old enough to be Pop of the lot.
A-jollier family never was seen,
Eo questions were asked and no "where have you been".
If late once for breakfast; well, Pop didn't mind,
If they came not at all, they were still treated, kind.
life went along fine till one bslmy day
Pop got his orders - the sky went all gray.
The sky went all gray.  It clouded right ©Ter,
Metaphorically speaking, it started to pour.
It teemed and it poured;  it deluged with rain,
fke day that their pop went and boarded the train.
Six stood in a row in the Pleasanton Salon,
And Pop did his duty as he could alone.
At last all was over and there they were left,
Six little orphans, now Pop-less, bereft.
But they didn't stay long in that orphan state,
For they went and adopted another Pop-greatI
Great - yes indeed, for that new one was me,
Pop didn't like :t, but Pop had gone - see.
My old job has gone, I resigned it last week,
For this is "whole time"; no sidelines I seek.
*Whole time" I should say what with Baby and Babs,
Miss Turton and Grace; why they need two more dads.
But in spite of the troubles I love them all, sure,
And I hope they will stay here for months and months more.
J A Bean