The Outing

Newton, Mass., April 20: Five women ranging in age

from 80 to 96 drowned this afternoon when a driverless

car rolled across a rest home lawn and sank in Crystal

Lake.

NEW YORK TIMES

It was more like a dream than an ending,

the lawn chairs adrift on the grass,

the elm trees parting politely

so that ladies kept waiting might pass

before Bartlett returns from the pantry

where he's won some affection at last.

They enter the lake without Bartlett,

and settle down in the sand;

the windows are closed, except Bartlett's,

the handle comes off in the hand;

and Bartlett goes right on romancing,

knowing that they'll understand.

They sit as they sat as they waited

for Bartlett in fine livery

who's taking them all Sunday driving

and bringing them back for tea,

but Bartlett has conquered some virtue

and lingers inside wistfully.

And now though he's diving to find them,

and even holds open the door,

there is little to say of his sorrow

as he floats them each back to the shore

where the others have come to verandas

to see the five ladies once more.