Many a time your father gave me aid When I was down -- and now I'm down again! You mustn't take it bad, nor be dismayed To know that youngsters ought to help old men, And 'tis their duty to do that: Amen! I have no cows, no sheep, no boots, no hat! The folk who gave me presents are all dead, And all good luck died with them! Because of that I won't pay what I owe you; but, instead, I'll owe you till the dead rise from the dead. You weave good shirts; and I weave, for my bread Good poetry -- But you get paid at times! The only rap I get is on my head: But when it comes again that men like rhymes -- And pay for them -- I'll pay you for your shirt! |