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