Duke Poem by Ima Ryma

In 1914, I did do
My very first musical song.
I did it by ear, 'cause 'twas true,
My lessons were not far along.
I wrote it while a soda jerk
At the ol' Poodle Dog Cafe'.
And so I called my piece of work
The 'Soda Fountain Rag.' I'd play
It as a waltz, tango, fox trot -
Varied beats and rythyms that are
All the same song - just played a lot.
Folks would say, 'What a repertoire! '

Guess that first song was not a fluke
By the Ellington, folks called 'Duke.'