Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BALLAD OF MARY ANN, by E. M. WRIGHT


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BALLAD OF MARY ANN, by                    
First Line: Mary ann came by one sunday
Last Line: "I just stopped by to get me pay."
Subject(s): Idleness; Labor & Laborers; Laziness; Sloth; Indolence; Work; Workers


Mary Ann came by one Sunday,
Told us she would start on Monday,
Liked our looks, and liked our pay.
"Shure!" says she, "I'll come to stay."

Monday morning, sharp at eight,
Mary Ann was at the gate.
"I'd like," says she, "to ask about
The afternoons what I has out."

She told us that she'd just as soon
Take a Tuesday afternoon.
"But as I never works all day
I'll not start in till Wed-nes-day."

On Wednesday Mary wrote and said,
"Begorra! I am sick abed,
But God be willin', Thursday morn
I'll be to work as shure's yer born."

Thursday morning came a letter:
Says she, "Thank God -- I'm feelin' better,
An' by the blessed saints, I say
I'll shure be back on Saturday."

Saturday came and we did wait
From early morn till very late
But no one passed who looked to be
The least like Mary Ann to me.

Mary Ann came back on Sunday,
Said, "I'll have to quit on Monday,
I like you fine, but I can't stay,
I just stopped by to get me pay."





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