The Patience of Pluvius Jupe

Publication: Melbourne Herald
Date: 29 October 1934

"Long years have I listened," said Jupiter Pluvius -
Careless tho' even to suicide move he us.
   (Cumbersome rhymes, as I'm ready to grant you;
   But cut out the cackle and hark to me can't you?)
"Long years have I listened to pleas and complaining
Of droughts when it's dry and of floods when it's raining.
   All hurried and harried, while doing my best,
   I have struggled to serve you at human behest.
I've hearkened to that one and hearkened to this one,
Neurotic'ly nervous in case I should miss one.
   But, in striving to satisfy all men, my name
   Becomes mud; and I'm badgered with all sorts of blame,
Till I'm fed up with being humanity's dupe;
So I'm going my way," said Pluvius, Jupe.

"Moaning and groaning," said Jupiter Pluvius -
Heedless tho' absolute ingrates now prove he us.
   (Again I will grant you the rhyming is rocky,
   But try it yourself, and you won't be so cocky) -
"Moaning and groaning and yelling for rain -
It has worried me so when I hear you complain
   That of late I am losing much adipose tissue,
   So - under below, there!  I've got a fair issue
Of pretty wet stuff, and I'm going to spill it
If needed or not; but because I now will it.
   All over the country I'm going to chuck it.
   So - under below!  I'm upending the bucket;
And blame me no more if you're all in the soup;
For I'm sick of your snivelling," said Pluvius, Jupe.
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