The Chariots Of The Gods

The Chariots Of The Gods
By Charles K Field
585

O Lares and Penates,
Ye household gods we prize,
Who smile on family parties
And weep o’er broken ties;
Now pour we due libation
And gratefully admire
The homely transportation
That saved you from the fire

Time was, in ease ignoble,
Our eyes were dazzled by
The costly automobile,
The horses stepping high;
In strenuous life forgetful
Of what the simple brings,
Half thoughtless and half fretful,
We scorned the little things

This chief among disasters
Now suddenly reveals
Whatever goes on casters
May serve the turn of wheels;
For, oh, when it behooved us
To flee the fated town,
“Twas furniture that moved us,
From the four-poster down!

Ah, well for them whom Teddy
Had praised for progeny!
With baby-buggies ready
They fled from jeopardy:
And many there had reasons
Old Santa Claus to bless,
With toys of by-gone seasons
For family express

O household gods, surviving
The flames that swept us bare,
At new-built shrines arriving,
Preside benignly there,
While we, whate’er our station
Unstintingly admire
The precious transportation
That saved us from the fire!