Page:Fifes and Drums, Poems of America at War, Vigilantes, 1917.djvu/98

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A LESSON IN MANNERS

We have neglected certain obligations,
   Albeit in a purely social way,
One should return a neighbor's salutations
   And make a party call a certain day.
America has failed in manners. Is it
   A trifle that we lack in etiquette?
Surely 'tis time that we returned the visit
            Of Lafayette.


Our social calendar is much neglected,
   And "busy" is not always an excuse;
Some adequate return might be expected,
   And courtesy may rust for lack of use.

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