Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FUTURE DEEDS, by WALT MASON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FUTURE DEEDS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sweet friend of mine, it doesn't pay to tell
Last Line: Moved—the golden era is today; don't let it vanish unimproved.
Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers


SWEET friend of mine, it doesn't pay to tell of things you will achieve; the
golden era is today; and promises too oft deceive. "Tomorrow I will cut much
grass, tomorrow prizes will be won." Tomorrow! But today, alas, goes by and you

have nothing done. Tomorrow is a vision dim, that makes the dreamer's heart feel

good. Today the man of sense and vim goes forth and saws three cords of wood.
Today we know we are alive, our bones and thews obey our will; it is our
privilege to strive, and put some kopecks in the till. Tomorrow, when the
madding crowds of workers throng along the pave, we may be wearing jaunty
shrouds, all neatly dolled up for the grave. The things I've done may count a
bit, and gain some measure of applause, when I this daily round have quit, when

I have crossed my pulseless paws. The lofty ends that I pursue won't make a
record till they're won; the things that I intend to do, will never count until

they're done. And so, my friend, again I say—and, saying it, I'm strangely

moved—the golden era is today; don't let it vanish unimproved.





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