The Rubaiyat of a Huffy Husband

"The Rubaiyat of a Huffy Husband" by Mary Wallace Bundy Little is a whimsical poetic work written in the early 20th century. This book takes the form of a humorous narrative in verse, exploring the frustrations and eccentricities of a husband who feels overshadowed by his wife's newfound obsession with "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam." It delves into themes of love, jealousy, and the impact of literature on relationships, portrayed through light-hearted yet poignant poetry. In the poem, the husband expresses his growing discontent as his wife becomes increasingly absorbed in the poetic verses of Omar Khayyam, leading to his feelings of neglect and alienation. His humorous complaints and reflections reveal his desperation to regain her attention and affection, as he grapples with the reality that this literary fascination has come to dictate the dynamics of their marriage. Throughout the verses, he oscillates between anger and longing, ultimately highlighting the strange hold that a mere book can have over human relationships and emotions. The husband’s attempts to wrestle back his wife’s affection reflect a comedic yet relatable struggle, making this poetic piece a clever commentary on love and communication in marriage.