FRANKLIN

Fame twined a wreath on Franklin's brow

A-many years ago —

And yet, how many people now

The reason for it know?

Was it because he wisely wrote

Poor Richard's Almanac

( One of the few, we pause to note,

Which testimonials lack )?

Was Franklin's fame the sure result

Of his philosophy?

( No mental cure or psychic cult

Or Great Uplift had he. )

Was it because for years and years

He was a diplomat?

Why, no. What person ever hears

About such things as that?

Then what did wise Ben Franklin do

That he should merit fame?

That each edition of “Who's Who”

In bold type puts his name?

He flew his kite; he had the key

His front door to unlock —

Like countless other men, then he

Acquired a sudden shock.

The trolley cars and dynamos

And incandescent light

And buzzing fan which coolness blows

All date from Franklin's kite.

But, what an oversight of Fame!

Ben Franklin's wife —‘ twas she,

That thoughtful, gentle, kindly dame,

Who let him have the key.