390. O MY DEAR FRIENDS

“All Americans lecture.
I suppose it is something in their climate.”

 — Oscar Wilde

All Indians procrastinate too long.
I suppose it is something
In our climate.

All Englishmen think too much.
I suppose it is something
In their climate.

All Canadians follow too far.
I suppose it is something
In their climate.

O American friend of mine,
I wish to hear your lecture.
O Indian friend of mine,
   Let us not sleep any more.
O English friend of mine,
   I am sure you know
   There is something far
   Beyond thinking.
O Canadian friend of mine,
   Your own goal
   Is infinitely more beautiful
   Than the goal of others.