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!

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

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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: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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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.