A Time For human weakness

The poem ‘Any Other Time‘ utilizes clever rhymes and witty verses to highlight the human tendency to make excuses and procrastinate when faced with unwanted tasks or situations.

Paterson takes a humorous approach to critiquing this very relatable human flaw. He covers a range of scenarios from losing a sports match to turning down a loan request from a friend. In each case, the speaker insists they would have performed better or responded more generously “any other time.”

By providing amusing hypothetical dialogues, Paterson mocks the flimsy nature of our excuses. When seasick, people claim they love the ocean “any other time;” when declining an invitation, hosts say “just drop in whenever you like.” The lighthearted tone pokes fun at this tendency without being overly harsh.

In the final verse, Paterson takes a slightly more serious turn, reflecting on how despite good intentions, we put off becoming “better men” until another day. The poem’s title and recurring phrase “any other time” underscores how we delay change and self-improvement.

While humorous on the surface, the poem contains introspective criticism of human weakness. Paterson manages to blend entertainment with this thoughtful message through his signature style of narrative verse and colloquial language. The simple rhyme and rhythm give the poem broad appeal and memorability. Ultimately, it encourages readers to reflect on the times we prioritize convenience over integrity.

Any Other Time

All of us play our very best game—
Any other time.
Golf or billiards, it’s all the same—
Any other time.
Lose a match and you always say,
“Just my luck! I was ‘off’ to-day!
I could have beaten him quite half-way—
Any other time!”

After a fiver you ought to go—
Any other time.
Every man that you ask says “Oh,
Any other time.
Lend you a fiver! I’d lend you two,
But I’m overdrawn and my bills are due,
Wish you’d ask me—now, mind you do—
Any other time!”

Fellows will ask you out to dine—
Any other time.
“Not to-night, for we’re twenty-nine —
Any other time.
Not to-morrow, for cook’s on strike,
Not next day, I’ll be out on the bike —
Just drop in whenever you like —
Any other time!”

Seasick passengers like the sea—
Any other time.
“Something . . I ate . . disagreed . . with me!
Any other time
Ocean-trav’lling is . . simply bliss,
Must be my . . liver . . has gone amiss . .
Why, I would . . laugh . . at a sea . . like this—
Any other time.”

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Most of us mean to be better men—
Any other time:
Regular upright characters then—
Any other time.
Yet somehow as the years go by
Still we gamble and drink and lie,
When it comes to the last we’ll want to die—
Any other time!