Classic and Contemporary Poetry
LEANERS OR LIFTERS, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are two kinds of people on earth today Last Line: Your portion of labor, and worry and care? Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Variant Title(s): Two Kinds Of People;which Are You?;lifting And Leaning Subject(s): Religion; Theology | ||||||||
THERE are two kinds of people on earth to-day; Just two kinds of people, no more, I say. Not the sinner and saint, for it's well understood, The good are half bad, and the bad are half good. Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man's wealth, You must first know the state of his conscience and health. Not the humble and proud, for in life's little span, Who puts on vain airs, is not counted a man. Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears. No; the two kinds of people on earth I mean, Are the people who lift, and the people who lean. Wherever you go, you will find the earth's masses, Are always divided in just these two classes. And oddly enough, you will find too, I ween, There's only one lifter to twenty who lean. In which class are you? Are you easing the load, Of overtaxed lifters, who toil down the road? Or are you a leaner, who lets others share Your portion of labor, and worry and care? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MYSTIC BOUNCE by TERRANCE HAYES MATHEMATICS CONSIDERED AS A VICE by ANTHONY HECHT UNHOLY SONNET 11 by MARK JARMAN SHINE, PERISHING REPUBLIC by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE COMING OF THE PLAGUE by WELDON KEES |
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