Drapers Dummies

What do they dream about standing there In the windows facing the street? Eyes transfixed in a strange, far stare, Smiles so ineffably sweet; Lady and gentleman dummies clad In the newest fashion, the latest fad. Garbed so expensively, well turned out What have they got to commune about? Winter comes. Now a chill wind stirs; The rain comes pattering down But they suddenly snuggle in coats and furs And the coziest cloaks in town. Field-glasses there or a race-book here 'The National? Why, of course, my dear, I mean to be there tho' Trophet may freeze. How could I miss it, in clothes like these?' Spring smiles down and the days grow bright, And the ladies, garbed anew, Change, like the tulips, overnight To gowns of many a hue. As in a garden gay colors glow, They are thinking of Henley, the Cup, the Show; While each glad gentleman, blazer clad, Is the beau ideal of the sporting lad. But Henley comes, and the Show, the Cup; Yet no superior 'gent.' No simpering lady e'er turns up: For, still in their windows pent. Dressed for the revel, how like they seem To me and to many who stand and dream: Poor human dummies, but half alive, Who are always 'going' but never arrive.