I Only Speak Second Rate Spanish

I ONLY SPEAK SECOND-RATE SPANISH I didn’t say it then, but I can say it now - I can say many things in many languages, and how! English, Russian, French and the lovely Spanish tongue. First one I started with, when I was young, Was Spanish - learned in The States and Obviously Mexican Spanish, perfectly at hand For communicating with half a billion who likewise speak, If in Latin America and over world you seek. I chanced to meet a long-lost acquaintance, A snobbish woman of little real substance, Who spoke Spanish and we practised our learned word. Oh, she says, you speak only Mexican Spanish. She demurred - Not real Spanish……… Actually what she thaid wath, “You thpeak Mekthican Thpanish” Real Thpanish ith called Cathtellano…… You would not be underthtood in Thpain, oh no!” I obviously disappointed her with my inferior ability She certainly disappointed me with her snobbery. Now I can say that speaking Spanish is a pleasure But thpeaking Thpanish is a torture. The people of Thpain will have to be denied my voice But the billion others may hear its song and joys.