Yesterday afternoon, while I was walking on Worth Street, br A gust of wind blew my hat off. br I swore, petulantly, but somewhat noisily. br A young woman had been near, walking behind me; br She must have heard me, I thought. br And I was ashamed, and embarrassedly sorry. br So I said to her: "If you heard me, I beg your pardon." br But she gave me a frightened look br And ran across the street, br Seeking a policeman. br So I thought, Why waste five hours trying to versify the incident? br Verse libre would serve her right.br br Franklin P.