Poetic Divination

“Confirmation” by Paul Laurence Dunbar

He was a poet who wrote clever verses,

And folks said he had a fine poetical taste;

But his father, a practical farmer, accused him

Of letting the strength of his arm go to waste.

He called on his sweetheart each Saturday evening,

As pretty a maiden as ever man faced,

And there he confirmed the old man’s accusation

By letting the strength of his arm go to waist.