Monkey Business

I once got myself a monkey (God knows what breed his was). He was black, with dark, big eyes-- A devil-thing you could never pass. Pearly-teeth shone in his mouth, When you but pleased this thing; We'd get-along well together, (Me thought we could do with some training) And, I tried teaching him And taught him little tricks, But my word! The poor thing, Got rounded in the basics: A few things of course, took him time, While others, he could never learn: Like when I said,"Sit Marcel", He'd start to jump up and run...! (Which wasn't quite the big deal, For he was still learning what to do) At least it was better than When his filth I found in my shoe! I coached him about 'toilet-culture'-- Taught him where men with a pot always rushed; When that one day, on missing my spects, I found them only being flushed... Nonetheless, we glued well as pals, But for a diner's calamity: When I ask him once,"Get me that rice", He sat on the tray and chose to pee! He sought a perch upon my head So I always had unkempt hair; He'd sit, digging deep and hard, I don't know for what thing up there. (A small cheery, childish thing, He'd always place himself with me) But if he'd not torn my favourite shirts, I say, I'd be much, much happy... We used to talk as great pals: He'd face me then, and play his part, Although upon losing interest, He'd slap me, scratch me, and cut me short! This training and all friendliness, Sure made each grow fond of the other When I realized, he had to leave somehow (Leaving me to shrug and shudder): As a final mischief of his, He'd got himself in a dirty puddle, Then placed himself in the cupboard, Disturbing order to a state of muddle...! When that I asked him to get down, He looked at me somewhat askance; As if he knew what it was-- The unpleasant thing that had come to chance... The grin on that face I was to miss I know--the parting was like Hell... He knew not what would change for us, I still miss good ol'Marcel...