JUST LIKE A MAN

By Edgar Albert Guest

This is the phrase they love to say:

“Just like a man!”

You can hear it wherever you chance to stray:

“Just like a man!”

The wife of the toiler, the queen of the king,

The bride with the shiny new wedding-ring

And the grandmothers, too, at our sex will fling,

“Just like a man!”

Cranky and peevish at times we grow:

“Just like a man!”

Now and then boastful of what we know:

“Just like a man!”

Whatever our failings from day to day —

Stingy, or giving our goods away —

With a toss of her head, she is sure to say,

“Just like a man!”

Unannounced strangers we bring to tea:

“Just like a man!”

Heedless of every propriety:

“Just like a man!”

Grumbling at money she spends for spats

And filmy dresses and gloves and hats,

Yet wanting her stylishly garbed, and that's

“Just like a man!”

Wanting attention from year to year:

“Just like a man!”

Seemingly helpless when she's not near:

“Just like a man!”

Troublesome often, and quick to demur,

Still remaining the boys we were,

Yet soothed and blest by the love of her:

“Just like a man!”