Disappointment

The Senate woke; the Chairman's snore
Was stilled, its echoes balking;
The startled members dreamed no more,
For Steele, who long had held the floor,
Had suddenly ceased talking.

As, like Elijah, in his pride,
He to his seat was passing,
'Go up thou baldhead!' Reddy cried.
Then six fierce bears ensued and tried
To sunder him for 'sassing.'

Two seized his legs, and one his head,
The fourth his trunk, to munch on;
The fifth preferred an arm instead;
The last, with rueful visage, said:
'Pray what have _I_ for luncheon?'

Then to that disappointed bear
Said Steele, serene and chipper,
'My friend, you shall not lack your share:
Look in the Treasury, and there
You'll find his other flipper.'

poem by Ambrose Bierce
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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