Paine and I had arranged to meet on the beach
It was our Rum Day
But I had forgotten the rum
So it was a Bum Day instead
I was reading Gatsby
In the shade of a bush
Whereas Paine was sitting
In our green beach chair
The air had cooled since our last visit
And there were fleeting clouds in the sky
But when the August sun emerged
It was pleasant warm and bright
The waves which were clearly within view
Were subtly violent and suggested a storm
I felt a little sleepy but Paine was engrossed
In her orange cream and black book
As the sun was behind her and blinded me
I asked her what book she was reading
Why do you want to know you silly boy
But if it interests you I am currently reading
The Rising Tide of Color by Lothrop Stoddard
You have such a short memory Nick
As you gave it to me the month
After mummy was murdered in her bed