Evening—regatta Day

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow — a poem card from Justes Mots

A darkly comic poem about a rowing crew exacting jovial revenge on the crew member who 'caught a crab' and lost their race, with vivid descriptions of mock violence and theatrical punishment. The poem captures competitive camaraderie and good-natured ribbing among sportsmen. It's suited for celebratory or humorous occasions involving athletic or competitive groups.

Your nose is a red jelly, your mouth’s a toothless wreck,
And I’m atop of you, banging your head upon the dirty deck;
And both your eyes are bunged and blind like those of a mewling pup,
For you’re the juggins who caught the crab and lost the ship the Cup.

He caught a crab in the spurt home, this blushing cherub did,
And the ‘Craigie’s’ whaler slipped ahead like a cart-wheel on the skid,
And beat us fair by a boat’s nose though we sweated fit to start her,…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · reflection