Tree with a Bird in it — Preenings by Lola Ridge

_Lola Ridge_ (Who apparently did not care for the suburbs.

) PREENINGS

I preen myself....

I ...

Always do ...

My ego expanding encompasses ...

Everything, naturally....

This bird preens himself ...

It is our only likeness....

Ah, God, I want a Ghetto And a Freud and an alley and some Immigrants calling names ...

God, you know How awful it is....

Here are trees and birds and clouds And picturesquely neat children across the way on the grass Not doing anything Improper ...

(Poor little fools, I mustn't blame them for that Perhaps they never Knew How....

) [Illustration] But oh, God, take me to the nearest trolley line!

This is a country landscape-- I can't stand it!

God, take me away-- There is no Sex here And no Smell!