R.S. Levine
ISHMAEL, TELL US: WHAT WAS AHAB REALLY LIKE?
Well, he was no Queequeg.
You wouldn't want to take him to an opening
Of a chowder-house.
He was no social butterfly.
He had no manners.
If
you were ever being chased
By Tripolitan pirates
You'd want him on your side.
He didn't know the meaning of the word "maybe,"
Only "yes" or "no."
When I asked him whom he hoped would become
The next President he spit in my face.
He didn't know the meaning of th.e word "fashion."
He lisped. He had trouble keeping his balance
When the ship rocked. Stormy weather
Drove him to drink. Sometimes
He couldn't hold his liquor. He had planned
To retire to his country estate and pen
His memoirs. Really, he had a lot
