The Man Who Wasn't There

-1-

As I was walking up the stairs
I met a man who wasn't there

He wasn't there again today
"I wish that man would go away"

-2-

As I was coming down again
I asked him if he'd be my friend

He said, "Why not? Since I'm not here!"
Then I saw him disappear

-3-

Now I see him in the hall
He isn't really there at all

If he isn't there today
I'll ask that man to go away


Adapted from "Antigonish" (1899) by William Hughes Mearns (1875–1965)