A Psalm Of Labouring Life Poem by Franklin Pierce Adams
A Psalm Of Labouring Life
Tell me not, in doctored numbers,
Life is but a name for work!
For the labour that encumbers
Me I wish that I could shirk.
Life is phony! Life is rotten!
And the wealthy have no soul;
Why should you be picking cotton,
Why should I be mining coal?
Not employment and not sorrow
Is my destined end or way;
But to act that each tomorrow
Finds me idler than today.
Work is long, and plutes are lunching;
Money is the thing I crave;
But my heart continues punching
Funeral time-clocks to the grave.
In the world's uneven battle,
In the swindle known as life,
Be not like the stockyard's cattle--
Stick your partner with the knife!
Trust no boss, however pleasant!
Capital is but a curse!
Strike,--strike in the living present!
Fill, oh fill the bulging purse.!
Lives of strikers all remind us
We can make our lives a crime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Bills for double overtime.
Charges that, perhaps another,
Working for a stingy ten
Bucks a day, some mining brother
Seeing, shall walk out again.
Let us, then, be up and striking,
Discontent with all of it;
Still undoing, still disliking,
Learn to labour--and to quit.
So deep and thoughtful writing on life and its duty /// great poem
A sad reality write that just might if the penny drops get workers to unite? To end world poverty! .........well penned.
Such a well written poem by Franklin Pierce Adams.........................
A forceful argument against Capitalism with tongue firmly in the cheek.
I cite Adrian Flett's comment here: forceful argument against Capitalism with tongue firmly in the cheek, precisely!
Congratulations to the family of the late Poet, being chosen as The Modern Poem Of The Day. Most deserving.
Such an insightful poem that touches the hearts of all laborers throughout the world, as the rich get richer and the poor continue to do their bidding. Life is just another name for labor is quite true. Great poem. : -)
Powerful socialist message expressed here...workers of the world unite!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
4/25/2024 6:14:42 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Very clever and very funny, this parody! I am sure that it would give Longfellow a good laugh (as long as you appreciate the original, which I guess that you do!) :)