Edgar Lee Masters (1868–1950). Spoon River Anthology. 1916.

48. George Trimble

DO you remember when I stood on the steps

Of the Court House and talked free-silver,

And the single-tax of Henry George?

Then do you remember that, when the Peerless Leader

Lost the first battle, I began to talk prohibition,

And became active in the church?

That was due to my wife,

Who pictured to me my destruction

If I did not prove my morality to the people.

Well, she ruined me:

For the radicals grew suspicious of me,

And the conservatives were never sure of me—

And here I lie, unwept of all.