The Last Horsed 'Bus (Rhymes for the Times)

Name: The Last Horsed 'Bus (Rhymes for the Times)
Author: Harry Graham

This collection of humorous poems satirizes British society and politics during World War I. The poems are written from the perspective of a common man who observes the absurdities of war and its effects on everyday life. They cover topics such as patriotism, military service, and the home front.

By Harry Graham · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 351 words

First lines

Fare thee well, thou plum-faced driver, Poised upon thine airy seat! Final, ultimate survivor Of an order obsolete! Fare thee well! Thy days are numbered. Long, full long, by weight encumbered, Tardily thy team hath lumbered Down each London Street, Passed by carts, bath-chairs, and hearses, And the cause of constant curses!

Fare thee well, conductor sprightly, Gay and buoyant pachyderm, Holding up thy 'bus politely For each passenger infirm; Yet, when roused to indignation By a rival's reprobation, How adroit in the creation Of some caustic term! Deft to ridicule or rally, Swift with satire as with sally!

What this Textopian page supports

The Last Horsed 'Bus (Rhymes for the Times) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Harry Graham, dated 1925 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Harry Graham
Date: 1925 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary, Historical, Humor
Length: 351 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Satire — The text uses humor and irony to critique modern transportation and nostalgia for the past.
Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal changes and the impact of technological progress on daily life.
Historical — The content references a specific historical transition from horse-drawn carriages to motorized vehicles.