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1850–1895

THE CONVALESCENT GRIPSTER

Eugene Field

The gods let slip that fiendish grip Upon me last week Sunday — No fiercer storm than racked my form E'er swept the Bay of Fundy;

But now, good-by To drugs, say I — Good-by to gnawing sorrow; I am up to-day,

And, whoop, hooray! I'm going out to-morrow! What aches and pain in bones and brain I had I need not mention;

It seemed to me such pangs must be Old Satan's own invention; Albeit I Was sure I'd die,

The doctor reassured me — And, true enough, With his vile stuff, He ultimately cured me.

As there I lay in bed all day, How fair outside looked to me! A smile so mild old Nature smiled It seemed to warm clean through me.

In chastened mood The scene I viewed, Inventing, sadly solus, Fantastic rhymes

Between the times I had to take a bolus. Of quinine slugs and other drugs I guess I took a million —

Such drugs as serve to set each nerve To dancing a cotillon; The doctors say The only way

To rout the grip instanter Is to pour in All kinds of sin — Similibus curantur!

‘ Twas hard; and yet I'll soon forget Those ills and cures distressing; One's future lies‘ neath gorgeous skies When one is convalescing!

So now, good-by To drugs say I — Good-by, thou phantom Sorrow! I am up to-day,

And, whoop, hooray! I'm going out to-morrow.

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THE CONVALESCENT GRIPSTER · Eugene Field · Poetry Cove