203. How the Easterners Do

Everywhere I go I see a friend –
Those I’ve met and those not yet –
But most I pass, even those I know,
Look down as they stroll by
And avert their shifty eyes
As if to keep me from asking why –
Aha! Egad!
Is this a fad
Brought from the far-off East?
To do as the Easterners do
And give a bow to follow through
A howdy-do to you-know-who
When you can’t stop in the least?
To stare at your shoes with inclined head
So your politenessness increase?
Then I shall do as the Easterners, too,
To see if you pause at least!