The narrative follows a suburban individual who experiences a rude awakening when a burglar attempts to invade his home. The protagonist, initially at peace in his domestic life, is jolted from his slumber by the sound of a break-in. He witnesses the intruder's face, which embodies a predatory nature, prompting him to seek help from a nearby police officer. The officer, however, is more captivated by the beauty of the night sky than by the urgency of the situation. Despite the protagonist's frantic pleas to apprehend the thief, the cop remains distracted, discussing the aesthetic qualities of the clouds and the beauty of the surroundings. The protagonist, clad in his pajamas, grows increasingly frustrated as the officer fails to grasp the gravity of the burglary. As they finally reach the protagonist's home, they discover that the burglar has already ransacked the place. The protagonist laments the loss of his belongings, particularly his trousers, which contained valuables. The officer's attention is drawn to a framed Christmas Supplement hanging in the room, which he finds distasteful and beneath his artistic sensibilities. In a moment of despair, the officer expresses his disillusionment with the situation, lamenting that he was hired to protect against such mundane crimes rather than to engage with the cultural aspirations of the suburbanite. The story culminates in the officer's emotional breakdown over the perceived cultural degradation represented by the Supplement, highlighting a clash between high art and the realities of everyday life. The work satirizes the disconnect between law enforcement and the citizens they serve, as well as the absurdity of prioritizing aesthetic appreciation over practical concerns. It reflects on themes of culture, class, and the often comical nature of human interactions in the face of crisis. The protagonist's plight serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper societal issues, ultimately revealing the absurdity of both the burglar's actions and the officer's artistic pretensions.
By C.J. Dennis · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Social Commentary