I loved a girl in days of yore—
A girl who said me nay
Because she loved another more;
That's why I went away!

And then I wandered everywhere
About this earthly ball,
And met a lot of maidens fair
Who held my heart in thrall.

For there were girls in Kankakee,
And girls in Rio, too;
Wherever chance has landed me
Were pretty girls to woo;

In Boston town or far Japan,
In panama and Nome;
But each one loved another man —
And that's why I came home!

- Berton Braley

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