GAMBLING ON THE GUMBO

GAMBLING ON THE GUMBO

It’s funny how little things stick in your mind as time goes by. Thirty-five years ago, I was a freshman in high school. As part of the English literature that year, we were studying poetry. Part of what was required of us was to memorize and recite certain poems. I can remember bits and pieces of a couple poems, but there is one poem I have not forgotten. I don’t remember the Author, but I don’t think I will ever forget the poem. Over the years, from time to time, I have had the opportunity to recite it. Sometimes it draws a little chuckle, but most of the time I just receive a confused look.

Gambling on the Gumbo with my gambits all in gear
I daffed upon a dilly that would be my dolly dear
Oh dilly I would dally if you’d be only true
How silly I must sally off to do my dully do

Looking at it in print, I see why the confused look is the dominant response to this poem. It’s a fun little poem, but it is actually saying something. As they say on ESPN, Let’s break it down.

A boy is on the prowl, looking for love and he’s got his act together.
He meets a young lady, and over time a relationship develops.
He decides that she might be the one, and asks if she feels the same way.
The young man then decides that bachelor life is more his style and moves on.

I may be wrong, but I think most of us have done some GAMBLING ON THE GUMBO.