Haunts and By-Paths is Thorne Smiths only book of poetry. Several
of the poems were originally printed in the Naval Reserve Journal, Broadside,
while other were printed in the Atlantic and other magazines of the day.
Many of the poems tend to deal with Smith's navy days and, while not the
best poetry of the time, it serves to show yet another side to his literary
style.
Interestingly enough, in Thorne Smith: His Life and Times, Smith makes reference
to another collection of poetry he was hoping to get published. Unfortunately, nothing
has ever surfaced regarding this. It's also interesting to note that Smith had several of his own
poetry scattered throughout his novels. One that comes to mind is Marion's poem, "Mr. Topper Catches the Sun."
I’ve washed me neck
An’ I’ve cashed me check
An’ I’ve got me forty-three.
An’ I’m light and gay
As a mule in May
For I’m bound on liberty.
An’ I’ve got a date with Mamie an’ I’ve got a date
With Sue
An’ I’ve got a date with Nancy and’ wi’ Kate
An’ I’m going to be so busy that I won’t know
What to do,
An’ I’m that confounded anxious I can’t wait.
So, roll, roll, roll along, roll on, sailor, roll.
Roll, roll, roll along, shove off, blast yer soul!
Good-by Buddy, an’ good-by Bo,
Me dogs are itching an’ I got to go
So, roll, roll, roll along, roll on, sailor, roll.
Me tapes are white
An’ me boots are bright
An’ me hat is stiff and straight.
An’ I’ve brushed me bean
An’ I’ve shaved blue clean
An’ the list is on the gate.
Oh, I’m going to spend me money an’ I’m going
To spend it right
Buying sweeties for me wild Canarise pigs,
An’ sometime in the morning or very late at night
I’m going to a pub and dance some jigs.
So, roll, roll, roll along, roll on, sailor, roll.
Roll on, roll along, shove off, blast yer soul !
So long, Buddy, and good-by Bo.
Am I happy ? Well I tell her so.
So roll, roll, roll along, roll on, sailor, roll.
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