The Ginger Jar

The Ginger Jar

I started on a journey just about a week ago,

For the little town of Morrow, in the state of Ohio.

I never was a traveler, and really didn’t know

That Morrow had been ridiculed for a century or so.

I went down to the depot for my ticket and applied

For the tips regarding Morrow, not expecting to be guyed.

Said I, “My friend, I want to go to Morrow and return

Not later than to-morrow, for I haven’t time to burn.”

Said he to me, “Now let me see if I have heard you right,

You want to go to Morrow and come back to-morrow night.

You should have gone to Morrow yesterday and back to-day,

For if you started yesterday to Morrow, don’t you see,

You could have got to Morrow and returned at to-day at three.

The train that started yesterday -- now understand me -- right

T-day it gets to Morrow, and returns to-morrow night.”

Said I, “My boy, it seems to me you’re talking through your hat.

Is there a town named Morrow on your line? Now tell me that.”

“There,” said he, “and take from me a quiet little tip --

To go from here to Morrow is a fourteen hour trip.

The train that goes to Morrow leaves to-day eight-thirty five;

Half after ten to-morrow is the time it should arrive.

Now if from here to Morrow is a fourteen hour jump,

Can you go to-day to Morrow and come back to-day you chump?”

Said I, “I want to go to Morrow: can I go to-day

And get to Morrow by to-night, if there is no delay?”

“Well, well,” said he, “explain to me and I’ve no more to say;

Can you go anywhere to-morrow and come back to-day?

For if to-day you’d get to Morrow, surely you’ll agree

You should have started not to-day, but yesterday, you see.

So if you start to Morrow, leaving here to-day, you’re flat,

You won’t get in to Morrow till the day that follow that.”

“Now if you start to-day to Morrow, it’s a cinch you’ll land

To-morrow into Morrow, not to-day you understand.

For the train to-day to Morrow, if the schedule is all right,

Will get you into Morrow by about tomorrow night.”

Said I, “I guess you know it all, but kindly let me say,

How can I go to Morrow if I leave the town to-day?”

Said he, “You cannot go to Morrow any more to-day

For the train that goes to Morrow is a mile upon its way.”

I was so disappointed I was mad enough to swear;

The train had gone to Morrow and had left me standing there.

The man was right in telling me I was howling jay;

I didn’t go to Morrow, so I guess I’ll go to-day.

T.A. Case 8/10/42