Audrey, these men and women I have known
I have brought together in a book for you,
So that my child some day when she is grown
May know the friendly folk her father knew.

Wondering how parents can be so absurd,
Perhaps you'll take it idly from the shelves
And, reading, hear, as once I overheard,
These men and women talking to themselves.

And so find out how they faced life and earned,
As you must earn one day, a livelihood,
And how in spite of everything they learned
To take their luck through life and find it good.

And maybe as you share each hope and fear
And all the secrets that they never told,
For their sake you'll forgive your father, dear,
Almost for being so absurd and old.

And may it somewhat help to make amends
To think that in their sorrow and their mirth
Such men and women were your father's friends
In old incredible days before your birth.