|
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Subject: WORKERS Matches Found: 696 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` 3 A.M. KITCHEN: MY FATHER TALKING, by TESS GALLAGHER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For years it was land working me, oil fields Last Line: Some days now I just don’t know Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Industry; Labor & Laborers; Drunkards; Alcohol Abuse; Work; Workers A BALLAD OF A WORKMAN, by JOHN DAVIDSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All day beneath polluted skies Last Line: And forge and mould the world anew.' Subject(s): Alchemy & Alchemists; Ambition; Death; Hope; Labor & Laborers; Temptation; Dead, The; Optimism; Work; Workers A CREOLE TRIPTYCH: 2. THE PLAINSMAN, by JOSE SANTOS CHOCANO Poem Text First Line: In his bronze face a something sombre shows Last Line: Like some light rainbow o'er the cataracts. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Prairies; Work; Workers; Plains A CREOLE TRIPTYCH: 3. THE GAUCHO, by JOSE SANTOS CHOCANO Poem Text First Line: He is the pampa's very own, - a bit Last Line: Or reaches onward as a hope betrayed. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers A DESCRIPTION OF THE MORNING, by JONATHAN SWIFT Poem Text Poem Explanation Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Now hardly here and there a hackney-coach Last Line: And schoolboys lag with satchels in their hands. Variant Title(s): Morning In London Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Morning; Work; Workers A FAREWELL TO FOLLY: CONTENT, by ROBERT GREENE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Sweet are the thoughts that savor of content Last Line: A mind content both crown and kingdom is. Variant Title(s): A Mind Content;maesia's Song;a Contented Mind;song Subject(s): Contentment; Happiness; Labor & Laborers; Life; Joy; Delight; Work; Workers A GOLDEN LOT, by JOSEPH SKIPSEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In the coal-pit, or the factory Last Line: And a golden lot is mine. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Mines And Miners; Work; Workers A GREAT INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, by EDITH BLAND NESBIT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Squalid street after squalid street Last Line: While they did your work -- in hell! Alternate Author Name(s): Nesbit, E.; Bland, Mrs. Hubert Subject(s): Capitalism; Labor & Laborers; Socialism; Work; Workers A HOLIDAY, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The house is like a garden Last Line: Some women are like that, do what you may. Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Family Life; Holidays; Home; Labor & Laborers; Love; Relatives; Work; Workers A LAY OF THE TAMBOUR FRAME, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Bending with straining eyes Last Line: She is ever the same. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Women's Rights; Work; Workers; Feminism A LEGEND OF MAIDEN LANE, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Twas dusk in the dale, but the clover ... Last Line: "as a sweete, wholesome laugh from ye hearte of a mayde!" Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Legends; New York City - Dutch Period; Temptation; Work; Workers A LONE STRIKER, by ROBERT FROST Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: The swinging mill bell changed its rate Last Line: Come get him——they knew where to search Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers A MIGRANT, by JOHN FREEMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A migrant from the waking world to sleep's Last Line: Hastening lest death should find him unemployed. Subject(s): Fear; Migrant Labor; Migratory Workers; Agricultural Laborers A MORNING-PIECE, OR, AN HYMN FOR THE HAY-MAKERS, by CHRISTOPHER SMART Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Brisk chaunticleer his matins had begun Last Line: And we'll dance to the tune of the stream. Subject(s): Fields; Labor & Laborers; Shepherds & Shepherdesses; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers A NAVVY'S PHILOSOPHY, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Across life's varied ways we drift Last Line: Beside the master of the hall. Subject(s): Architecture & Architects; Brotherhood; Death; Labor & Laborers; Sacrifices; Dead, The; Work; Workers A NIGHT IN A VILLAGE, by IVAN SAVVICH NIKITIN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Sultry air, the smoke of shavings Last Line: "trust, my soul, be brave!" Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Russia; Villages; Work; Workers; Soviet Union; Russians A PHOTO OF MINERS USA, 1908, by BRENDAN JAMES GALVIN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With trees backing them / instead of the pit's mouth Subject(s): Child Labor; Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers A PLOUGHMAN AT ELTHAM, by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Cross-legged, and brown as his field in hue Last Line: Whither its poor go down. Subject(s): Change; Labor & Laborers; Plowing & Plowmen; Work; Workers A POEM BY GARNIE BRAXTON, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Garnie, I wish I was a sea gull Last Line: I been there once Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): Birds; Children; Gulls; Labor & Laborers; Childhood; Seagulls; Work; Workers A SHORT SONG OF CONGRATULATION, by SAMUEL JOHNSON (1709-1784) Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Long-expected one and twenty Last Line: You can hang or drown at last! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson, Dr. Variant Title(s): One And Twenty Subject(s): Birthdays; Inheritance & Succession; Labor & Laborers; Marriage; Wealth; Youth; Heirs; Work; Workers; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Riches; Fortunes A SONG OF LABOUR; DEDICATED TO MY FELLOW-WORKERS WITH PICK AND SHOVEL, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Let us sing, my toiling brothers, with our rough, rude voice a song Last Line: Labour's mightiest epic rolling through the panting heart of toil. Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains A SONG OF PROGRESS, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Come away from pick and shovel for another day again Last Line: And the thinking that I help them at my lowly labour here. Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains A SONG OF WORK, by MARY (MAY) ELIZABETH (MCGRATH) BLAKE Poem Text First Line: Work while the sun climbeth high in the heaven Last Line: Then at the last, find rest with god. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers A THRESHER OF WHEAT TO THE WYNDES, by JOACHIM DU BELLAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To you light troupe that ryde Last Line: And noon is without shadowe. Alternate Author Name(s): Du Bellay, Joachim Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Wheat; Work; Workers A TRIBUTE TO DAD, by CLARA MCKEE BEEDE Poem Text First Line: My dad, he's a star in the heavens Last Line: Let's give them the honor that's due. Subject(s): Honor; Labor & Laborers; Memory; Work; Workers A VALEDICTORY TO STANDARD OIL OF INDIANA, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the darkness east of chicago, the sky burns over the plumbers' nightmares Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers A VERDICT, by F. G. Poem Text First Line: Angelo, benjamin, michael and paul Last Line: Nobody minded what icabod said; he was dead. Subject(s): Death; Labor & Laborers; Dead, The; Work; Workers A WESTERN WASTE, by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE Poem Text First Line: Old rails like twin steel ribbons stretch away Last Line: Fair as a farm by some iowan stream. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains A WORKER'S PRAYER, by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lord, speak to me, that I may speak Last Line: Thy rest, thy joy, thy glory share. Variant Title(s): A Teacher's Prayer Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Prayer; Work; Workers A' - 9, by LOUIS ZUKOFSKY Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: An impulse to action sings of a semblance Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Poetry & Poets; Work; Workers ADDRESS TO COL. D. C. R. CARRICK-BUCHANAN, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hail! Noble mind, that formed the liberal plan Last Line: Heaven's richest, choicest blessings ever share! Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Generosity; Labor & Laborers; Marriage; Parks; Work; Workers; Weddings; Husbands; Wives ADMONITION, by ALICE COYN TORBERT Poem Text First Line: Round each day's task before the set of sun Last Line: And we must wonder why you wait. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Stars; Sun; Work; Workers ADVERTISEMENT, by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We want a man of forty for the job Last Line: We want such a man for the job. Subject(s): Advertising; Labor & Laborers; Memory; Water; Work; Workers AFTER DINNER AND AFTER OUR FEW TRAVELING CHICKENS, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: That my spit turned to ice when it hit the ground Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families AFTER WORKING SIXTY HOURS AGAIN FOR WHAT REASON, by HICOK. BOB Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The best job I had was moving a stone Last Line: On an empty table Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers AIR, by JOHN O'KEEFE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A flaxen-headed cow-boy, as simple as may be Last Line: You'll forget the little plough-boy that whistled o'er the lea. Alternate Author Name(s): O'keefe, John Subject(s): Aging; Children; Labor & Laborers; Trade; Childhood; Work; Workers ALLMAN'S BAR, by TED KENEALLY Poem Text First Line: Come and have a drink at allman's,' said a hard-faced lad from yass Last Line: "but tonight I shore a thousand while you lads were at the bar." Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Labor & Laborers; Sheep; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons; Work; Workers AN ODE TO THE FRAMERS OF THE FRAME BILL, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh well done lord e - n! And better done r - r! Last Line: Who, when asked for a remedy, sent them a rope. Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Politics & Government; Work; Workers APPLE-PARING NIGHT IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The biggest basket 'round our place Last Line: That weekly apple-paring night. Subject(s): Apples; Farm Life; Food & Eating; Fruit; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers APPLICATION FOR A GRANT, by ANTHONY HECHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Noble executors of the munificent testament Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers APPLYING FOR A LOAN WITH THE HELP OF THE DICTIONARY OF OCCUP. TITLES, by DAVID WAGONER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In my other lives, I've been a sheepskin pickler Subject(s): Borrowers & Lenders; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers APRIL IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The ver purpureum horace loved Last Line: Up here at jim mcnally's. Subject(s): Cattle; Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Peace; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers ARISTOCRATS OF LABOR, by W. STEWART (19TH CENTURY) Poem Text First Line: They claim no guard of heraldry Last Line: Their peerage is from god! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers AS MY UNCLE UST TO SAY, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've thought a power on men and Last Line: As my uncle ust to say. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Uncles; Work; Workers AT THE TRAIN TRACKS, by LEN ROBERTS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Another springtime, another dollar. I wonder Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers ATLAS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am used to the heft of it Last Line: To carry everything. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Forests; Labor & Laborers; Strength; Black Heritage; Woods; Work; Workers AUBADE, by PHILIP LARKIN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I work all day, and get half-drunk at night Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers AUTUMN (1), by JOHN CLARE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Summer is gone and all the merry noise Last Line: Dreams autumn's melancholy life away. Subject(s): Autumn; Labor & Laborers; Seasons; Fall; Work; Workers AUTUMN BEGINS IN MARTINS FERRY, OHIO, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: In the shreve high football stadium Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): Autumn; Education; Football; Industry; Labor & Laborers; High Schools; Fall; Work; Workers AUWE NA POOLA!, by EMMA LYONS DOYLE Poem Text First Line: Rushes lie on the alanui Last Line: Pololei -- right Subject(s): Hawaii; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers AVE MARIA, by FRANK O'HARA (1926-1966) Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Mothers of america Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Mothers; Motion Pictures; Work; Workers; Movies; Cinema BABY RANDOM, by BELLE WARING Poem Text First Line: Baby random tries a nosedive, kamikaze Subject(s): Aids (disease); Labor & Laborers; Nurses; Sickness; Work; Workers; Illness BACK FROM KINLOCHLEVEN, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The waterworks are finished and the boys have / jacked the shovel Last Line: But at any rate you'll know them by their curses when in town. Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Death; Desolation; Drinks & Drinking; Labor & Laborers; Quarrels; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons; Dead, The; Wine; Work; Workers; Arguments; Disagreements BACK FROM VACATION, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Back from vacation,' the barber announces Last Line: The evidence says, though their hearts cry, 'not so!' Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Vacation; Work; Workers BALLAD OF SIMPLE SIMON, by JOSEPH CORSON MILLER Poem Text First Line: I have watered the stock and I've shoveled the dung Last Line: Lean down, cheery moon, lean down! Alternate Author Name(s): Miller, J. Corson Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers BALLAD OF THE UNSUCCESSFUL, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We are the toilers from whom god barred Last Line: "god, give us another chance!" Variant Title(s): The Song Of The Unsuccessful Subject(s): Failure; God; Labor & Laborers; Life; Religion; Sin; Soul; Success; Work; Workers; Theology BALLADE: 3, by THOMAS WYATT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The restful place, reviver of my smart Last Line: Wherefore with tears, my bed, I thee forsake. Alternate Author Name(s): Wyat, Thomas Subject(s): Bodies; Grief; Hearts; Labor & Laborers; Pain; Tears; Sorrow; Sadness; Work; Workers; Suffering; Misery BANKING UP VERMONT HOUSES, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A house without a suller wall Last Line: They know you've finished banking up. Subject(s): Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers BARE HANDS, by ALICE G. HARVEY Poem Text First Line: A lad with eager, anxious eyes Last Line: To pay for a place to sleep. Subject(s): Cities; Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Urban Life; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers BEACH PARTY GIVEN BY T. SHAUGHNESSY FOR THE SISTERS, by JOSEPHINE MILES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Seven nuns went wading in the sea Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Nuns; Work; Workers BEAUTIFUL OHIO, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Those old winnebago men Last Line: I call it beauty Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Ohio; Work; Workers BEFORE AND AFTER, by IRA SADOFF Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was too sick to leave the factory Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Sickness; Work; Workers; Illness BESS AND HER SPINNING-WHEEL, by ROBERT BURNS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O leeze me on my spinning-wheel Last Line: Of bessy at her spinnin' wheel? Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Spinning; Work; Workers BETWEEN US, by LAWRENCE JOSEPH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What was his name? Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers BEYOND HIS JURISDICTION, by HENRY (HARRY) HARBORD MORANT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It was a western manager, and a language-man was he Last Line: "that narks yez,"" michael answered""he's a cocky down in vic." Alternate Author Name(s): Breaker, The; Lumpkin, Tony Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Language; Sheep; Work; Workers; Words; Vocabulary BILL AND THE SUPE (A MINING CAMP BALLAD), by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now listen to me, while I tells to you Last Line: You've heard as much as I heard, that's all! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Mines & Miners; Work; Workers BIXBY'S LANDING, by ROBINSON JEFFERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They burned lime on the hill and dropped it down Last Line: Are even more precious than your first presence Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Quarries; Work; Workers BLACK MEN SINGING, by ELMO RUSS Poem Text First Line: I have known nights made wonderful with song Last Line: Is lost forever, song born out of fright! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers BLACK MONEY, by TESS GALLAGHER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: His lungs heaving all day in a sulphur mist Last Line: Ther deep globe of his eye Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers BLACKLISTED, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why shall I keep the old name? Last Line: Name to go by? Subject(s): Blacklists; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers BLANKET NED, by G. A. H. Poem Text First Line: We were shearing on the bidgee Last Line: The lamb in the water-pot. Subject(s): Fools; Labor & Laborers; Sheep; Idiots; Work; Workers BLASTING ROCKS IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When cutting corn is late Last Line: And squandered forty plunks. Subject(s): Corn; Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers BREACHING THE ROCK, by MADELINE DEFREES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pacific, the true misnomer: around the columbia Last Line: Ready to settle for less. Alternate Author Name(s): Mary Gilbert, Sister; De Frees, Madeline Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Pacific Ocean; Storms; Work; Workers BREAD AND WINE, by ELIZABETH MORROW Poem Text First Line: All day work in the shops Last Line: And this is wine. Alternate Author Name(s): Cutter, Elizabeth Reeve Subject(s): Drinks & Drinking; Labor & Laborers; Wine; Work; Workers BREASTING THE ROGUE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: We reach a town of barefoot kids. No one Last Line: Life rushes swiftly in one-bar towns Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty BROKEN RHYTHMS; IN A MEXICAN LABOR CAMP, by AMANDA MATHEWS CHASE Poem Text First Line: La golondrina Last Line: New music? Subject(s): Chicanos; Migrant Labor; Music & Musicians; Mexican Americans; Migratory Workers; Agricultural Laborers BURNED, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have to go back into the forge room Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Factories; Jews; World War Ii; Farewell; Fathers; Grief; Conduct Of Life; Work; Workers; Judaism; Second World War; Parting; Sorrow; Sadness BURYING GROUND BY THE TIES, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ayee! Ai! This is heavy earth on our shoulders: Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald Subject(s): Railroads; Labor & Laborers; Railways; Trains; Work; Workers CALLING THE DOVES, SELS, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At noon time, %on a lunch break from driving the tractor Last Line: And perch itself on a nearby tree Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Fathers; Mexican American Families CANNERY TOWN IN AUGUST, by LORNA DEE CERVANTES Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: All night it humps the air Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers CAT-GODS' CHANNEL, by ANSELM HOLLO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We elegant erasers of mice Last Line: And so, with ancient yelps, we torch your maps Subject(s): Buildings & Builders; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers CATALINA EDDIES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Dusk to dawn, sleek skunks enjoy Last Line: The annual burning pulse Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty CHILD OF THE ROMANS, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The dago shovelman sits by the railroad track Last Line: Standing slender on the tables in the dining cars. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers CHILDREN OF THE WORKING CLASS, by JOHN WIENERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gaunt, ugly deformed Subject(s): Children; Labor & Laborers; Psychiatric Hospitals; Childhood; Work; Workers; Mad Houses; Insane Asylums CLEON AND I, by CHARLES MACKAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Cleon hath a million acres, ne'er a one have I Last Line: State for state with all attendants, who would change? Not I. Subject(s): Contentment; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers CLIFF DWELLER LYRICS: A LITTLE NAP IN THE MORNING, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Henry has gone to his work Last Line: Aw, what's the use of a nap! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers CLOG OF HER BODY, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Breathe in, blow out, legs in stirrups, bottom up Last Line: Before you spur him in his sides Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty COAL, by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A valley, narrow as the pit Last Line: Coal. Subject(s): Coal Mines & Miners; Labor & Laborers; London; Work; Workers COMING CLOSE, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Take this quiet woman, she has been Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Factories; Women; Work; Workers COMING HOME, DETROIT, 1968, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A winter tuesday, the city pouring fire, Subject(s): Cities; Detroit, Michigan; Homecoming; Industry; Labor & Laborers; Urban Life; Work; Workers COMMUNION, by CLARA FOX Poem Text First Line: A man saw a soft brown, newly-cut, wheat field Last Line: He felt the strength of god rise up in him. Subject(s): Faith; Fields; God; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Wheat; Belief; Creed; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers COMPONENT, by F. JOHN HERBERT Poem Source First Line: Designing their own chains working on a component Last Line: So the people will feel that tandem will make ourselves free%and we will find a new basis of ethics Subject(s): Industrial Workers Of The World (i.w.w.); Labor And Laborers; Labor Unions CONCERNING HOES, by AMELIA WOODWARD TRUESDELL Poem Text First Line: You have heard of that over-worked man with the hoe Last Line: Nor ripens life's harvest with penitent tears. Subject(s): Fields; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers CONDITION OF THE WORKING CLASSES: 1960, by ROBERT BLY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are bricks trapped in thousands of pale homes Last Line: And the curch-doors change into the faces of children standing beside the new trees Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers CONDITION OF THE WORKING CLASSES: 1970, by ROBERT BLY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You united states, frightened by dreams of guatemala Last Line: And drive their cars at a hundred miles an hour into trees Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers CONTENTMENT, OR, THE HAPPY WORKMAN'S SONG, by JOHN BYROM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a poor workman as rich as a jew Last Line: Which nobody &c. Subject(s): Contentment; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers COOLIE IN THE RICE FIELDS, by GLADYS GANE Poem Text First Line: Rain falls on the rice fields Last Line: In snow-white heaps Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Rain; Rice; Work; Workers CORN-LAW HYMN, by EBENEZER ELLIOTT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lord, call thy pallid angel Last Line: A sea, a sea of men! Alternate Author Name(s): Corn-law Rhymer; Elliot, Ebenezer Subject(s): Corn Laws (great Britain); Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers COTTON ROWS, COTTON BLANKETS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Sprawled on the back of a flatbed truck Last Line: Brought to foal in the outlines of summer Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty CREEK THAT BEARS THE SALMON, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Once upon a time Last Line: It keeps perfect time Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty DAILY BREAD: PREFACE, by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All life moving to one measure Last Line: "love, are there not crumbs to treasure?" Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DAY JOB AND NIGHT JOB, by ANDREW HUDGINS Poem Text Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: After my night job, I sat in class Last Line: Lt looked the same. Like work Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DAY LABORERS, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They straggle down the street; the morning light Last Line: And leaveth not the poor uncomforted. Subject(s): Dreams; Hearts; Labor & Laborers; Tears; Nightmares; Work; Workers DAY'S END, by ELKANAH EAST TAYLOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The task is over for beast and men Last Line: And finds its god . . . And love . . . And wings. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DEAR LITTLE LADY WITH SNOW WHITE HAIR, by PAULINE KUNDERD MANLY Poem Text Last Line: I hope to see you again over there. Subject(s): Death; Labor & Laborers; Retirement; Seamstresses; Dead, The; Work; Workers DEATH AT WORK, by JAMES GALVIN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A chevy engine hangs by a chain Last Line: With everyone afraid and trying not to be Subject(s): Death; Labor & Laborers; Dead, The; Work; Workers DEDICATION, by FRANCIS REGINALD SCOTT Poem Text First Line: From those condemned to labour Last Line: Nor any peace for spending. Alternate Author Name(s): Scott, F. R. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Money; Social Classes; Social Protest; Work; Workers; Caste DEFINITION, by EDWIN ROLFE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Knowing this man, who calls himself comrade Alternate Author Name(s): Fishman, Solomon Subject(s): Brotherhood; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DEGREES OF GRAY IN PHILIPSBURG, by RICHARD HUGO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: You might come here sunday on a whim Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Montana; Work; Workers DELAY, by CHARLOTTE FISKE BATES Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I do affirm that thou hast saved the race Last Line: Averted graciously by kind delay! Alternate Author Name(s): Roge, Mme. Subject(s): Deliberation; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DETROIT GREASE SHOP POEM, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Four bright steel crosses Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DIGGING POTATERS IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Of course, you'll pick the dustiest day Last Line: And dream of saratoga chips. Subject(s): Farm Life; Fields; Labor & Laborers; Potatoes; Trade; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers DIGNITY OF LABOR, by LEVI BISHOP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Genius of toil! Our verse indite / and blaze along each line! Last Line: To feed, and warm, and cheer, and bless the world. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Life; Muses; Nature; Work; Workers DOMESTICS, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We've had about a thousand maids, who Last Line: For clarence, william, stephen, fred, adolphus, james and harry. Subject(s): Household Employees; Labor & Laborers; Marriage; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Work; Workers; Weddings; Husbands; Wives DOWN THE RIVER, by BARCROFT HENRY BOAKE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hark, the sound of it drawing nearer Last Line: Down the river that bears him, dead. Subject(s): Death; Labor & Laborers; Sheep; Travel; Dead, The; Work; Workers; Journeys; Trips DREAMER'S MEADOW, by FANIA KRUGER Poem Text First Line: He toils and dreams in every weather Last Line: When the dream and the crop have grown together? Subject(s): Dreams; Labor & Laborers; Nightmares; Work; Workers DROPPING THE EUPHEMISM, by BOB HICOK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He has five children, I'm papa Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DRUM, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the early morning before the shop Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Factories; Work; Workers DULCIMER MAKER, by CAROLYN FORCHE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Calf-deep in spruce dust Last Line: It will not be as far away, / as unfamiliar. Alternate Author Name(s): Sidlosky, Carolyn Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DUST TO DUST, by DAVID BAKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Footfalls on the brickwork road many fathers laid Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers DYING, by EMILY DICKINSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I heard a fly buzz when I died Last Line: I could not see to see. Subject(s): Death; Flies; Labor & Laborers; Mourning; Pain; Dead, The; Work; Workers; Bereavement; Suffering; Misery ECLOGUE: THE 'LOTMENTS, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Zoo you be in your groun' then, I do zee Last Line: If I could get a little patch o' ground. Subject(s): Duty; Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Property; Social Protest; Spring; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Possessions ECLOGUE: THE TIMES, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, tom, how be'st? Zoo thou'st a-got thy neame Last Line: You'll goo vor wool, an' then come hwome a-sheär'd. Subject(s): Birds; Crows; Economics; Fables; Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Pigs; Politics & Government; Social Protest; Wages; Allegories; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Boars; Hogs; Salaries ECLOGUE: TWO FARMS IN WOONE, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You'll lose your measter soon, then, I do vind Last Line: Why then we sartainly must starve. Good night! Subject(s): Farm Life; Hunger; Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers EL CONAL: MY GRANDFATHER'S GRIDDLE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He'd stand outside %watch his garden for hours Last Line: It was good. There was nothing more to say Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty EL MOVIMIENTO, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Hey, ese, you heard about that righteous Last Line: About el movimiento, something about cockroaches Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty EL PORVENIR, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He paints on the front of his store Last Line: Of women straight from the fields Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty ELDORADO, by EDGAR ALLAN POE Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Gaily bedight / a gallant knight Last Line: If you seek for eldorado!' Subject(s): Heaven; Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Paradise; Work; Workers ELEGY FOR JANE, by THEODORE ROETHKE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: I remember the neckcurls, limp and damp as tendrils Subject(s): Accidents; Death; Fathers & Daughters; Labor & Laborers; Youth; Dead, The; Work; Workers EMILIANO ZAPATA EYES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Laura's so goofy over him Last Line: In a hive of drones Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty EPILOGUE TO FLEET STREET ECLOGUES, by JOHN DAVIDSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Votary: what gloomy outland region have I won? Last Line: A tabernacle even with these ghastly bones. Subject(s): Ambition; Art & Artists; Earth; Humanity; Labor & Laborers; Prostitution; World; Work; Workers; Harlots; Whores; Brothels EPISODES OF HAYING TIME, by HOLGER CHRISTENSEN Poem Text First Line: Under clear blue skies in the month of june Last Line: But I pray that I might be more like dad! Subject(s): Fields; Labor & Laborers; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers EPITAPH, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I never cared for life: life cared for me Last Line: "nor sought in me much more than thou couldst find." Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Life; Work; Workers EPITAPH FOR A SOLDIER, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Enderle, who died for his country Last Line: Stink in winter. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers EPITAPH ON AN ARMY OF MERCENARIES, by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These, in the day when heaven was falling Last Line: And saved the sum of things for pay. Alternate Author Name(s): Housman, A. E. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; World War I; Work; Workers; First World War EPITAPHS OF THE WAR, 1914-18: R.A.F. (AGED EIGHTEEN), by RUDYARD KIPLING Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Laughing through clouds, his milk-teeth still unshed Subject(s): Air Warfare; Labor & Laborers; Teenagers; World War I; Work; Workers; First World War EVENING (1), by EMILY DICKINSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She sweeps with many-coloured brooms Last Line: And then I come away. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers EVOCATION, by LIONEL STEVENSON Poem Text First Line: Crouching beneath the rain Last Line: Flings dancing sparks of fire. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Work; Workers FABLES: 2ND SER. 15. THE COCK-MAID, THE TURNSPIT, AND THE OX, by JOHN GAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Consider man in ev'ry sphere Last Line: With chearful heart he mounts the wheel. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FACTORIES, by EDWARD HIRSCH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Everywhere in new york city there are factories Last Line: Pumping blood through the stillness of our arteries Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; New York City; Work; Workers FAIR PLAY, by M. L. CLAWSON Poem Text First Line: A monument for millionaires Last Line: To the men who died with their jobs. Subject(s): Disasters; Labor & Laborers; Ships & Shipping; Shipwrecks; Titanic (ship); Work; Workers FARM TABLEAU, by BETSY WINTER Poem Text First Line: Upon a farm, with soil of rust-red clay Last Line: Then turns and plods, with patient steps, toward home. Subject(s): Farm Life; Houses; Labor & Laborers; Women; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers FARMWORKERS' DAUGHTER, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Khaki, everywhere khaki. %not us, boy Last Line: We'll be so outta sight Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty FEAR AND FAME, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Half an hour to dress, wide rubber hip boots, Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FEEDING THE LIONS, by NORMAN JORDAN Poem Source First Line: They come into %our neighborhood Last Line: And get back %before dark Subject(s): Social Protest; Social Workers; Welfare FENCES, by PAT MORA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mouths full of laughter Subject(s): Seashore; Labor & Laborers; Social Classes; Beach; Coast; Shore; Work; Workers; Caste FIELD TRIP TO THE ROLLING MILL, 1950, by PATRICIA DOBLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Sister monica has her hands full Subject(s): Education; Industry; Labor & Laborers; Schools; Work; Workers; Students FIESTA IN THE MOUNTAINS WAS A RARE TREAT, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: With smiles and music Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families FINDING A WAY, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Where did I leave the recording Last Line: For walking the wrong %side of town Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty FIRST SONG, by GALWAY KINNELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Then it was dusk in illinois, the small boy Last Line: His heart to the darkness and into the sadness of joy. Subject(s): Children; Illinois; Labor & Laborers; Childhood; Work; Workers FIRST WORK, AND THEN WAGES, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Prepost'rous is that order, when we run Last Line: To ask our wages, e're our work be done. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FIST, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Iron growing in the dark Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FIVE DOLLARS A WEEK, by HERBERT KAUFMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Thus is it down on beelzebub's books Last Line: "when a girl hasn't money enough for her board." Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Work; Workers FOG, by LAWRENCE JOSEPH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All day the air was fog Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FOR SERVICE, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, it isn't for the money and it isn't for the fame Last Line: You had better never join the engineers! Subject(s): Crusades; Engineering & Engineers; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF MY DEATH, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Every year without knowing it I have passed the day Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Death; Labor & Laborers; Dead, The; Work; Workers FOR THE RECORD; IN MEMORY OF ELEANOR BUMPURS, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Call out the colored girls Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Bumpurs, Eleanor; Exiles; Labor & Laborers; Violence; Estrangement; Outcasts; Work; Workers FORTUNO CARRACCIOLI, by ROBERT MCALMON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The fat woman in the flat across the street Subject(s): Love - Absence Of; Social Classes; Labor & Laborers; Caste; Work; Workers FOUNDRY WORKERS, by MAXWELL BODENHEIM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Brown faces twisted black Subject(s): Foundry Workers FRAU BAUMAN, FRAU SCHMIDT, AND FRAU SCHWARTZE, by THEODORE ROETHKE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gone the three ancient ladies Subject(s): Greenhouses; Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Women; Work; Workers FRESCOES FOR MR. ROCKEFELLER'S CITY: 3. BURYING GROUND, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ayee! Ai! This is heavy earth on our shoulders Last Line: And the trains going over us here in the hollows Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald Variant Title(s): Burying Ground By The Ties Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains FRESCOES FOR MR. ROCKEFELLER'S CITY: BURY GROUND BY THE TIES, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ayee! Ai! This is heavy earth on our shoulders: Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Social Classes; Work; Workers; Caste FRIDAY LUNCHBREAK, by GREGORY ORR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At noon, still wearing their white Last Line: And wrestle, angels of meat. Subject(s): Beef; Calves; Factories; Food & Eating; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FROM AMERICA: A POEM IN PROCESS, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wish I was a horse Last Line: To change anything at all Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FROM LUMAGHI MINE, by ROBERT WRIGLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear father, / eleven days without sunlight. We go in Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FROM REVERDURE, by WENDELL BERRY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One thing work gives Last Line: To come into the presence of this time Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers FROM THE SOIL (TWO MONOLOGUES), by FORD MADOX FORD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Aham a mighty simple man and only Last Line: All over hill and dale. ... Alternate Author Name(s): Hueffer, Ford Hermann; Hueffer, Ford Madox Subject(s): Farm Life; God; Labor & Laborers; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers FUTURE DEEDS, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Sweet friend of mine, it doesn't pay to tell Last Line: Movedthe golden era is today; don't let it vanish unimproved. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers GARMENT MAKERS, by LIDA MARIE ERWIN Poem Text First Line: Would mortal eyes had less of skill to see Last Line: Appreciating all the care we took. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Sonnet (as Literary Form); Work; Workers GET THE GASWORKS, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Get the gasworks into a poem Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers GET UP, by JOSEPH SKIPSEY Poem Text Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Get up!' the caller calls, 'get up' Last Line: I may not ope again. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers GIRLFRIENDS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Rosie/ I %got pregnant Last Line: Rosie/I thought %I/she %was lucky Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty GLEANINGS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Twilight carves a dimple in the valley Last Line: Landscapes that yield their portion of heart Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty GLORY TO THEM, by ANDERSON M. SCRUGGS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Glory to them, the toilers of the earth Last Line: Who gave us beauty for a crust of bread. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers GOD AND THE STRONG ONES, by MARGARET WIDDEMER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We have made them fools and weak!' said the strong ones Last Line: "reap what ye have sown!"" saith god." Alternate Author Name(s): Schauffler, Mrs. Robert H. Subject(s): Freedom; God; Labor & Laborers; Liberty; Work; Workers GOD'S GRANDEUR, by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: The world is charged with the grandeur of god Last Line: World broods with warm breast and with ah! Bright wings. Subject(s): Christianity; Earth; Environment; Faith; God; Labor & Laborers; Men; Nature; Redemption; Religion; War; World; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Belief; Creed; Work; Workers; Theology GOING CROSSLOTS IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The man who says with solemn pride Last Line: "that ""wheel"" themselves to death." Subject(s): Country Life; Farm Life; Migrant Labor; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Migratory Workers; Agricultural Laborers GOOD MORNING AMERICA: 16, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The silent litany of the workmen go on - Subject(s): United States; Labor & Laborers; America; Work; Workers GREASING BOOTS IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To keep a feller's boots in trim Last Line: When settled weather struck your boots. Subject(s): Animals; Cows; Farm Life; Fields; Labor & Laborers; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers GREEN CORN SEASON, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: You promised you would never keep secrets from me Last Line: To begin in the green corn season Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty GROTESQUE, by RUTH GUTHRIE HARDING Poem Text First Line: With the first light on the skyline came the rapping of the sickles Last Line: "and the fields with harvest teeming have forgot them all too soon!" Alternate Author Name(s): Burton, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Fields; Injustice; Labor & Laborers; Memory; Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers; Serfs HACK AND HEW, by BLISS CARMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hack and hew were the sons of god Last Line: And the tireless hand of hew. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers HASTE NOT! REST NOT!, by JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Without haste! Without rest! Last Line: God shall crown thy work at last. Subject(s): Deliberation; Labor & Laborers; Rest; Work; Workers HAZARDOUS OCCUPATIONS, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jugglers keep six bottles in the air Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers HE WAS, by RICHARD WILBUR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A brown old man with a green thumb Last Line: Rose in the sparrow air Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers HE WHO IS LIKE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He toasts me with cinzano on the rocks Last Line: Of brown. I have never felt a kinder glance Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty HEARINGS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: We weren't unaware, stuck here Last Line: To bring the sons home safe Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty HEARTLANDS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: My son hitched a trailer to his rambler Last Line: A passion for wild turkey in the brush Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty HOLIDAY BUNTING, by DAVID BAKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He has handled the new piece like a stone Last Line: And all gone by morning, banner, noise, bird Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Wood; Work; Workers HONEY, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My father died at the age of eighty. One of the last things he Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers HONORS: 2. THE ANSWER, by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As one who, journeying, checks the rein in haste Last Line: My work, my work -- farewell! Subject(s): Death; Flutes; God; Honor; Labor & Laborers; Life; Music & Musicians; Dead, The; Work; Workers HOW COME HE GOT CANNED AT THE RIBBON FACTORY, by ALLEN GINSBERG Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: There was this character come in Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers HUDSON RIVER ANTHOLOGY, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I ran a store Last Line: He's serving thirty years. Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Business; Labor & Laborers; Money; Retail Trade; Wages; Businessmen; Businesswomen; Work; Workers; Stores; Shops; Shopkeepers; Salaries HUELGA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Fresno slumps late summer Last Line: As we chant %huelga! Huelga! Huelga! Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty HUSWIFERY, by EDWARD TAYLOR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Make me, o lord, thy spinning wheele compleate Last Line: That I am cloathd in holy robes for glory. Variant Title(s): Housewifery Subject(s): Housekeeping; Labor & Laborers; Prayer; Puritans In Literature; Religion; Sewing; Work; Workers; Theology HYMNS FOR CHILDREN: 5, by ANNIE MATHESON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Our lord became a servant Last Line: His 'peace be unto you.' Subject(s): Harvest; Jesus Christ = Suffering & Sacrifice; Labor & Laborers; Love; Peace; Work; Workers I AM THE PEOPLE, THE MOB, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the people - the mob - the crowd - the mass Last Line: The mob -- the crowd -- the mass -- will arrive then. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers I DEFINE THE DARKNESS CORRECT: THE BRIGHTER FLESH, by ELENI SIKELIANOS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is the center of human Last Line: Between dark between cities Subject(s): Bodies; Labor & Laborers; Mankind; Shadows; Work; Workers; Human Race I DON'T GO SHEARING NOW, by W. A. WOODS Poem Text First Line: So you're off to riverina, where the sun is shining clear Last Line: The rheumatism takes me, so I don't go shearing now. Alternate Author Name(s): Drayman, John Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Marriage; Memory; Sheep; Work; Workers; Weddings; Husbands; Wives I HAD NO MORE TO SAY, by LAWRENCE JOSEPH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The last time I saw her Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers I HEAR AMERICA SINGING, by WALT WHITMAN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: I hear america singing, the varied carols I hear Last Line: Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs. Subject(s): Americans; Labor & Laborers; Patriotism; Singing & Singers; United States; Work; Workers; Songs; America I LOVED THE NIGHT, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: I would cup my hands to my mouth %and join them Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families I SEE A TRUCK, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I see a truck mowing down a parade Last Line: Working for a living Subject(s): Cities; Labor & Laborers; Urban Life; Work; Workers I WAS BORN IN THE TINY TOWN OF FOWLER, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: There can be kindness Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families ICE HANDLER, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I know an ice handler who wears a flannel shirt with Last Line: When he came around to the saloon to tell the boys about it. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers ICHABOD: A MONODY, by ALFRED DENNIS GODLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now is the time when everything is glad Last Line: -- it is not far from here to jericho. Alternate Author Name(s): Godley, A. D. Subject(s): Class Struggle; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers IDEOGRAPHS, by SHARON OLDS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The small scaffolds, boards in the form of Subject(s): China; Photography & Photographers; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers IDLENESS, by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I saw old idleness, fat, with great cheeks Last Line: A foxy ovid bound in dappled calf. Alternate Author Name(s): Ramal, Walter; De La Mare, Walter Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers IF I TRUST MYSELF, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: This time I swore I wouldn't be Last Line: A sweet fragrant planting impossible to remove Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty IMPORTANT QUERIES, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Why this hurrying to and fro Last Line: Adorn and bless the nation. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Children; Discipline; Labor & Laborers; Mothers; Parents; Childhood; Work; Workers; Parenthood IMPOTENT, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With willing hands and a loving heart Last Line: "the welcome plaudit, ""well done, well done!" Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Sickness; Work; Workers; Illness IN CALIFORNIA: MORNING, EVENING, LATE JANUARY, by DENISE LEVERTOV Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pale, then enkindled Subject(s): California; Labor & Laborers; Nature; Work; Workers IN THE BINDERY, by ELAINE TERRANOVA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The shift begins. Metal clanks Last Line: A change of heart but then goes on. Subject(s): Factories; Industrial Workers Of The World (i.w.w.); Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Work; Workers IN THE MOUNTAIN VALLEYS AROUND LAKE WOLFER, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And flapped their peppery feathers and ran after me Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families IN THE SWEAT OF THY FACE, by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What sound was that? A pheasant's whir Last Line: With toil by leaf-girt nazareth of yore! Alternate Author Name(s): Miller, Joaquin Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers IN THE TENTH YEAR OF WAR, by LAWRENCE JOSEPH Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: I bend / over the machine. / heat Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers IN THE VANGUARD, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Into all the onward current and this iron time that feels Last Line: Down to ourselves, my brothers, working with the spade and pick! Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains INDISPENSABLE, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The world is crowded with clever chaps Last Line: At the time that he says he'll do it! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Procrastination; Work; Workers INTROSPECTIVE REFLECTION, by OGDEN NASH Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would live all my life in nonchalance and insouciance Variant Title(s): Random Observations: Introspective Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers IS IT YOU?, by LAWRENCE JOSEPH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where the giant magnet lifts Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers IT'S NOT ABOUT RACE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: It is thick summer in new york Last Line: Nothing to anchor him to the newly wet lawn Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty IT'S TIME TO SETTLE DOWN. IT'S TIME JUANITO GOES TO SCHOOL, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The way my father called the doves Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families JACK, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jack was a swarthy, swaggering son-of-a-gun Last Line: Swarthy, swaggering son-of-a-gun. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers JACOB TODD, by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here be the ashes of jacob todd Last Line: He bedded for ye judgement day. Alternate Author Name(s): Ramal, Walter; De La Mare, Walter Variant Title(s): Epitaph On A Sexton Subject(s): Epitaphs; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers JIM DALLEY, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: So you knew dalley that used to drive Last Line: Dalley lay over the levers dead. Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Accidents; Death; Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Dead, The; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains JOE HILL, by ALFRED HAYES Poem Source First Line: I dreamed in saw joe hill last night Last Line: I never died,' says he Subject(s): Hill, Joe (1879-1915); Industrial Workers Of The World (i.w.w.); Labor Unions; Social Protest JOE; AN ETCHING, by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A meadow brown; across the yonder edge Last Line: The axe of the pioneer, the settler's plough. Alternate Author Name(s): Tekahionwake Subject(s): Children; Homesteaders; Labor & Laborers; Pioneers; Childhood; Work; Workers JOURNEYS, by AGNES MACCARTHY HICKEY Poem Text First Line: Not the speediest of coaches Last Line: And they not know! Subject(s): Dreams; Labor & Laborers; Sewing; Travel; Nightmares; Work; Workers; Journeys; Trips JUNK, by RICHARD WILBUR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: An axe angles from my neighbor's ashcan Subject(s): Decay; Junk & Junkyards; Labor & Laborers; Rot; Decadence; Work; Workers L'ENVOI-TO MY PICK AND SHOVEL, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When the last, long shift will be laboured, and the Last Line: When the last long shift will be laboured and the lying time will be burst. Subject(s): Death; Labor & Laborers; Shovels; Dead, The; Work; Workers LA CURANDERA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: She shuffles to the door on faded scuffs Last Line: I can never go to heaven if the old man dies Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LA LLORONA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Cuca bellies down, her scarred arms from last year's fire Last Line: Bubble of head inches below water Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LA MADRUGADA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The radio alarm clock sputters Last Line: Of harvesting the fields Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LABOR, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There is a potion of forgetfulness Last Line: Saved the first man, perchance, from going mad. Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs. Subject(s): Insanity; Labor & Laborers; Madness; Mental Illness; Work; Workers LABOR, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heart of the people! Working men Last Line: And an increase of good for man. Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LABOR, by RAY CLARKE ROSE Poem Text First Line: Come to me, comrade dear, physician, friend Last Line: As rarer than the stone the ancients sought. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LABOR AND PRAYER, by JAMES RYDER RANDALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Despite the wisdom of the past Last Line: Link us with that electric chain! Subject(s): God; Labor & Laborers; Prayer; Work; Workers LABOR IS PRAYER, by DINAH MARIA MULOCK CRAIK Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Laborare est orare Last Line: And the whole earth rings with prayers. Alternate Author Name(s): Mulock, Dinah Maria Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Women; Work; Workers LABOR IS WORSHIP, by FRANCES SARGENT OSGOOD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Pause not to dream of the future before us Last Line: Let thy great deeds be thy prayer to thy god! Alternate Author Name(s): Vane, Violet Variant Title(s): Labor;the Pleasure Of Labor;laborare Est Orare Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LABOR, THE PROPHET, by AMELIA WOODWARD TRUESDELL Poem Text First Line: I am grim labor, I who boldly stand Last Line: Which kings and priests in terror will cast down Subject(s): Angels; Labor & Laborers; Prophecy & Prophets; Religion; Work; Workers; Theology LABORE CONFECTO, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ah god, how good and sweet it is Last Line: On such a white, white breast! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Night; Rest; Work; Workers; Bedtime LABORER, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I work for what I get Last Line: To her children. Subject(s): Black (color); Discontent; Labor & Laborers; Slavery; Dissatisfaction; Work; Workers; Serfs LABOUR, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Labour we must, and labour hard Last Line: I'th forum here, or vineyard. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LACHLAN JACK, by R. HOLT Poem Text First Line: Axemen? Gippslanders and tassies? Last Line: That they kept him snug and dry! Alternate Author Name(s): 6 X 8 Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Lumber & Lumbering; Work; Workers; Woodsmen LAS RUBIAS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Dear modern women's magazine the ads say you can be a Last Line: Against a gold-lit world Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LAST WILL, by JOE HILL Poem Source First Line: My will is easy to decide Last Line: Good luck to all of you Alternate Author Name(s): Hillstrom, Joesph; Hagglund, Joel Subject(s): Industrial Workers Of The World (i.w.w.); Labor Unions; Social Protest LAURENCE BLOOMFIELD IN IRELAND: 10. THE FAIR, by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Mud hovels fringe the 'fair-green' of this town Last Line: With many an ancient patch and breezy rent. Alternate Author Name(s): Pollex, D.; Walker, Patricius Subject(s): Bargains; Festivals; Labor & Laborers; Southern Hemisphere; Towns; Fairs; Pageants; Work; Workers LAZY, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some men enjoy the constant strife Last Line: I'll spend my life in living. Subject(s): Idleness; Labor & Laborers; Laziness; Sloth; Indolence; Work; Workers LE MEDECIN MALGRE LUI, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh I suppose I should wash the walls of my office Last Line: But a white thought! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LES MISERABLES DE LUXE, by ERNEST HYETT Poem Text First Line: Beneath a democratic flag Last Line: Soft-pedal me your liberty. Subject(s): Freedom; Labor & Laborers; Liberty; Work; Workers LET NO CHARITABLE HOPE, by ELINOR WYLIE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now let no charitable hope Last Line: And none has quite escaped my smile. Alternate Author Name(s): Benet, William Rose, Mrs. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Self; Women; Work; Workers LETTER TO N.Y., by ELIZABETH BISHOP Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In your next letter I wish you'd say Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Youth; Work; Workers LINES FROM A PLUTOCRATIC POETASTER TO A DITCH-DIGGER, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sullen, grimy, labouring person, Last Line: So do I. Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Envy; Upper Classes; Working Class; Envy; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LINES FROM A PLUTOCRATIC POETASTER TO A DITCH-DIGGER, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sullen, grimy, labouring person Last Line: So do I. Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Envy; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LINES TO A WELDER, by ERIS GOFF Poem Text First Line: I saw a god at work with flame and metal Last Line: A life more useful shapes beneath the flame. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LINES WRITTEN IN THE DOG-DAYS; HOW HOT IT IS!, by WILLIAM WOTY Poem Text First Line: The sun now darts his fervid rays Last Line: How charming now, and cool it is! Subject(s): Farm Life; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Oppression; Sun; Thirst; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers LOOKING AT QUILTS, by MARGE PIERCY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who decided what is useful in its beauty Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LOOKING FOR TROUBLE, by ROQUE DALTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The night of my first cell meeting it was pouring rain Last Line: Mother scolded me for coming home late Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Strikes; Wages; Work; Workers; Labor Disputes; Lockouts; Salaries LOOKING ON, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I like to linger in the shade, close to the pail Last Line: I am happy in the shade, with my tall jug of lemonade. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers LOVE AFFAIRS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: As if short skirts make a bad Last Line: To see you again, and you tell me %she's pregnant Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LOVE AND WORK, by RACHEL WETZSTEON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In an uncurtained room across the way Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Love; Work; Workers MANHATTAN MELODY, by HAZEL NICHOLSON Poem Text First Line: Sleep in my arms; the night is black Last Line: Work! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers MATERIALIST, by HORTENSE KING FLEXNER Poem Text First Line: If to the discard man's concealed machine Last Line: Law-governed flesh and bone shall not endure? Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Materialism; Work; Workers MATTER OF CONTROL, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Don't be afraid %at night Last Line: Your shadow flung %against the land Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty MATTERHORN QUESTS, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: As men essay the matterhorn Last Line: Bids them to climb and do their best. Subject(s): Alps; Labor & Laborers; Mountains; Pain; Soul; Work; Workers; Hills; Downs (great Britain); Suffering; Misery MAXIMUS, LETTER 2, by CHARLES OLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: . . . . . Tell you? Ha! Who Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Sea; Ships & Shipping; Work; Workers; Ocean MEMORIZING THE CENTER OF TIME, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Drops of memory collect Last Line: To the candy store Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty MEN WORKING, by SUSIE DAWSON JOHNSON Poem Text First Line: Slick and languid blacks in garments dimmed Last Line: Sun-drenched in sweat this lazy summer morn. Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers MENDINGS, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You made healing as you wanted us to make bread and poems Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers MENTAL-HEALTH WORKERS, by JAMES TATE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mostly we were able to ignore the hairy thing Subject(s): Insanity; Labor & Laborers; Madness; Mental Illness; Work; Workers MERCENARIES, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They come from all over the planet Last Line: this army of men on the job! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Militarism; Work; Workers METAPHORIC COCKROACHES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Experts theorize cockroaches survive anything Last Line: The rest of one's life. A treat. Sweet. Iron-rich. Sustaining Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty MIDDLE-AGE ENTHUSIASMS, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We passed where flag and flower Last Line: "our thoughts will reach this nook no more." Subject(s): Aging; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers MIGRANT, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Desire comes up in us Last Line: To a show that has always been playing Subject(s): Migrant Labor; Migratory Workers; Agricultural Laborers MILKSNAKES AND CHOCOLATE LILIES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The children squabbled last night, piercing squall Last Line: Bulbs that smolder five dry years then bloom Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty MIND OF MAN, by FRANK PIERCE GALLAGHER Poem Text First Line: Feed our eyes, oh light, with sights about us Last Line: God and she have earned a garland flock. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Mankind; Work; Workers; Human Race MINERS SHAKING HANDS WITH A UNION MAN, by ROBERT WRIGLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These men are solemn and strong Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers MINING CAMP RESIDENTS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1935, by MAGGIE ANDERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They had to seize something in the face of the camera Variant Title(s): Walker Evans: Mining Camp Residents, West Virginia Subject(s): Evans, Walker (1903-1975); Industry; Labor & Laborers; Mines & Miners; Work; Workers MOLE CATCHER, by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With coat like any mole's, as soft and black Last Line: There's not a peal in england sounds so well. Alternate Author Name(s): Blunden, Edmund Subject(s): Animals; England; Labor & Laborers; Landscape; Moles; English; Work; Workers MOON-RIDERS, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What have I saved out of a morning? Subject(s): Morning; Jobs; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers MORNING SOLILOQUY OF ONE FARMER, by HELEN REED Poem Text First Line: Ho-hum / there goes the rooster Last Line: Buy a cradle. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers MR. FOLEY'S CHRISTMAS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Since pick av them I'm sore denied Last Line: A dishgraced workin'-man! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Christmas; Labor & Laborers; Nativity, The; Work; Workers MUCKERS, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twenty men stand watching the muckers Last Line: "ten others, ""jesus, I wish I had the job." Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers MUTTERINGS OVER THE CRIB OF A DEAF CHILD, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How will he hear the bell at school Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): Babies; Deafness; Labor & Laborers; Physical Disabilities; Infants; Work; Workers; Handicapped; Handicaps; Physically Challenged; Cripples MY JACKET OLD, by HERMAN MELVILLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Ere work, alack, came in with wail Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Clothing & Dress; Work; Workers MY MOTHER WAS A HEALER, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Out of bed in their squeaky paper boots Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families MY MOTHER WOULD COOK BREAKFAST OUTSIDE, IN THE OPEN, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The wavy clay of the land was my plate Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families MY OWN EPITAPH, by JOHN GAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Life is a jest, and all things show it Last Line: I thought so once; but now I know it. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Life; Work; Workers NED VAUGHAN, by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A shepherd, ned vaughan Last Line: And shepherd in sleep. Alternate Author Name(s): Ramal, Walter; De La Mare, Walter Variant Title(s): Epitaph On A Shepherd Subject(s): Epitaphs; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers NEW YORK, by EDWIN DAVIES SCHOONMAKER Poem Text First Line: Sea - rimmed and teeming with millions poured out on Last Line: Till the new day quenches the lamps and flares over tyre. Subject(s): Cities; Immigrants; Labor & Laborers; Mysticism; New York City; Urban Life; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration; Work; Workers; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple NIGHT COMETH, by SIDNEY DYER Poem Text First Line: Work, for the night is coming Last Line: When man's work is o'er. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers NIGHTMARE NUMBER THREE, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We had expected everything but revolt Last Line: The madison avenue busses leading the charge Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers NO HIGH GROUND, by ELEANOR WILNER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I see a man get up Alternate Author Name(s): Wilner, Eleanor Rand Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers NOON HOUR, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She sits in the dust at the walls Last Line: Of great free ways beyond the walls. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Women; Work; Workers NORTHWARD TO THE SHEDS, by WILLIAM HENRY OGILVIE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's a whisper from the regions out beyond the barwon banks Last Line: I can hear the shear-blades clicking, and I know the fight's begun! Alternate Author Name(s): Ogilvie, Will Henry Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Sheep; Work; Workers NOTHING AND NO ONE AND NOWHERE TO GO, by LAWRENCE JOSEPH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've laughed before no one Last Line: And nowhere to go Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers NOTHING FREE-COST, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nothing comes free-cost here; jove will not let Last Line: His gifts go from him; if not bought with sweat. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers OCCUPANT: BLUE ROOF APARTMENTS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The mail addressed to occupant Last Line: Addressed to us by name Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty ODE TO BIG TREND, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pretty soon the negroes were looking to get paid. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; African Americans; Work; Workers; Negroes; American Blacks ODE TO SIR ANDREW AGNEW, BART., by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh andrew fairservice - but I beg pardon Last Line: To make a sunday workhouse of the church. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Politics & Government; Sabbath; Work; Workers; Sunday ODE TO WORK, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thou, who when joys appear Last Line: Give me my racquet! Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Calverley, Charles Stuart (1831-1884); Friendship; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers OLD CAT SOMBER MOON, by ANSELM HOLLO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Running into feeling befuddles. A kiss, a moment, spiky Last Line: Are. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Work; Workers OLD FLORIST, by THEODORE ROETHKE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That hump of a man bunching chrysanthemums Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers OLD LADY NECESSITY, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When homer was writing his epics and such Last Line: "I don't wanta work but I gotta!" Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Poetry & Poets; Work; Workers OLD MARRIED COUPLE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He never told anyone he couldn't swim Last Line: He did live, %we should have lived Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty OLD PEOPLE WORKING (GARDEN, CAR), by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old people working. Making a gift of garden Last Line: A way of greeting or sally to the crowd Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers OLNEY HYMNS: 16. THE SOWER, by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ye sons of earth prepare the plough Last Line: Provide a fruitful place! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers ON AGING, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you see me sitting quietly Subject(s): Aging; Labor & Laborers; Women; Work; Workers ON BUILDING WITH STONE, by ROBINSON JEFFERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To be an ape in little of the mountain-making mother Last Line: Beggar) were not bitter in the teeth? Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Writing & Writers; Work; Workers ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE, by VIRGIL SUAREZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cousin irene worked in the cold of a warehouse Subject(s): Hands; Labor & Laborers; New Jersey; Work; Workers ON THE DEATH OF JOHN CASSELL; THE TRUE FRIEND OF THE WORKING MAN, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What mournful voices thrill upon my ears? Last Line: The trophies of his power remain behind! Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Cassell, John (1817-1865); Death; England; Labor & Laborers; Praise; Dead, The; English; Work; Workers ON THE ENGINE BY NIGHT, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: On the engine in the night-time, with the darkness all around Last Line: I grew prouder of my labour and my little gift of song. Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Night; Railroads; Work; Workers; Bedtime; Railways; Trains ON THE FIRST DAY SHE MADE BIRDS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He asked me if I had a choice Last Line: Both alike %endless possibilities Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty ON THE OXFORD CARRIER, by JOHN MILTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here lieth one, who did most truly prove Last Line: Only remains this superscription. Variant Title(s): Another On The Same Subject(s): Hobson, Thomas (1544-1630); Labor & Laborers; Plague; Work; Workers ON THE RAILWAY BRIDGES (TO W.M.C.), by RHYS CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Girders of iron; bridges wrought of steel Last Line: The onrushpassedand all was night again. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Night; Railroads; Work; Workers; Bedtime; Railways; Trains ON THE UNIVERSITY CARRIER, by JOHN MILTON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here lies old hobson, death hath broke his girt Last Line: Hobson has supt, and 's newly gon to bed. Subject(s): Cambridge University; Hobson, Thomas (1544-1630); Labor & Laborers; Plague; Work; Workers ONE, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was an only child I carried Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Despair; Work; Workers ONE DAY MY FATHER DECIDED, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: From a box radio on the wall Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families ONE TIME WE VISITED FRIENDS IN FOWLER, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Where I learned to sing Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families OOR LOCATION, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A hunner funnels bleezin', reekin' Last Line: Drink's the king in oor location. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Labor & Laborers; Sin; Drunkards; Alcohol Abuse; Work; Workers OPERATION WETBACK, 1953, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The day begins like any other day Last Line: That never brought him home Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty ORCHARD OF FIGS IN THE FALL, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Somewhere deep in the san joaquin valley Last Line: A grave of limbs gone wrong Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty OTHER MARIAS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Once there were 50 marias Last Line: Definitely not a virgin Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty OUR OLD VERMONT LUMBER WAGON, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A thing that often 'pears to me Last Line: Our old blue lumber wagon. Subject(s): Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Lumber & Lumbering; Vermont; Wagons; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Woodsmen OUT A-NUTTEN, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Last week, when we'd a-haul'd the crops Last Line: Vrom copse a-nuttèn. Subject(s): Autumn; Farm Life; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Nuts & Nutting; Seasons; Fall; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers PADDING IT, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hasing it out like niggers on a two and a / tanner sub Last Line: The journey to ballachulish, for this is the song of it. Subject(s): Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Slavery; Travel; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Serfs; Journeys; Trips PARADISE LOST, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When I sat at the wheel of the fire chief's car Last Line: At the wheel of the fire chief's car. Subject(s): Automobiles; Driving & Drivers; Firefighters; Labor & Laborers; Wheels; Cars; Work; Workers PATHS, by JOSEPHINE MILES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Going out into the fields of learning Last Line: The spider's silk hypotheses unfold / tenancious, tenable Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Youth; Work; Workers PIONEERS OF INDUSTRY, by CLARENCE ALVA POWELL Poem Text First Line: Steve is dead. He is through with sweating now Last Line: Unsung, for they were never conquerors! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Washington Monument; Work; Workers PITCHING HAY IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's opposites, go where you will Last Line: Of pitching off and on. Subject(s): Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers PLAYED OUT, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: As a bullock falls in the crooked ruts, he fell when / the day was over Last Line: From no particular where. Subject(s): Death; Hunger; Labor & Laborers; Mortality; Poverty; Dead, The; Work; Workers PLOWERS, by CHARLOTTE LEAMING Poem Text First Line: High and low, high and low / over the fields Last Line: This is what their life has been. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers PLOWMEN, by ROBERT FROST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A plow, I hear men say, to plow the snow Last Line: At having cultivated rock. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers POEM FOR TOMORROW, by CLARK MILLS Poem Text First Line: Now is the time for labor Last Line: And cold sleeping. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers POINT LACE, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Kate, when you lace-work undertake Last Line: But none in what you say. Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Lace; Silence; Talk; Work; Workers POST OFFICE ETCHINGS: 10. BIRKENHEAD POST OFFICE, by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: Sunday. Deserted square. Upon Last Line: Odious, immune, unnoticed, slips into the sun. Subject(s): Birkenhead (ship); Labor & Laborers; Postal Service; Work; Workers; Postmen; Post Office; Mail; Mailmen POST OFFICE ETCHINGS: 8. POSTAL INVESTIGATOR (B), by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: Draper's assistant. Doomed to be Last Line: To her in anglesey. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Letters; Postal Service; Work; Workers; Postmen; Post Office; Mail; Mailmen POST-HOLE MICK, by G. M. SMITH Poem Text First Line: A short time back while over in vic Last Line: I'm afraid he'll arrive at one of the poles. Alternate Author Name(s): Grey, Steele Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers POSTERIORS FOR POSTERITY, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: How to talk politely Last Line: A nice juicy butt Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty POSTSCRIPT, by ANNE GRANT Poem Text First Line: Jean, fetch that heap of tangled yarn Last Line: To plant in vain the barren laurel! Alternate Author Name(s): Grant Of Laggan, Mrs.; Mac Vigar, Anne; Macvicar, Anne Subject(s): Housewives; Labor & Laborers; Rhyme; Work; Workers PRAIRIE GREYHOUNDS; C.P.R. 'NO. 1, WESTBOUND', by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I swing to the sunset land Last Line: That open alone to me. Alternate Author Name(s): Tekahionwake Subject(s): Commuters; Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains PRESENT DAY SONNETS: OUR LOOMS, by PERCY STICKNEY GRANT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Rich stuffs our looms weave for fair ladies' wear.' Last Line: The brutish engine like all tyrants blind. Subject(s): Class Struggle; Clothing & Dress; Labor & Laborers; Weaving & Weavers; Work; Workers PRESSING REALITIES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Scent of pine enters my window Last Line: Reality might undo me Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty PROLETARIAN IN ABSTRACT LIGHT, by THOMAS MCGRATH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now on the great stage a silence falls Last Line: I do not want your love Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers PROSPERITY, by FRED VOSS Poem Source First Line: The big company bought the little company Last Line: Became clear to the workers Subject(s): Corporate Life; Industrial Workers Of The World (i.w.w.); Industry; Labor And Laborers; Labor Unions; Money PSALM OF THOSE WHO GO FORTH BEFORE DAYLIGHT, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The policeman buys shoes slow and careful Last Line: Ears; they are brothers of cinders. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers QUALITY POOR, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: You can't be poor to live in the blue roofs Last Line: Managed because we stand in line for aid Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty QUIET WORK; SONNET, by MATTHEW ARNOLD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One lesson, nature, let me learn of thee Last Line: Labourers that shall not fail, when man is gone. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers RAISINS IN SUMMER, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Friday before payday we haul the kids Last Line: Have been, alongside our unmet desires Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty RAMBLE OF THE GODS THROUGH BIRMINGHAM, SELECTION, by JAMES BISSET Poem Text First Line: Next day they rambled round the town, and swore Last Line: With thund'ring hammers made the air resound. Subject(s): Birmingham, England; Goddesses & Gods; Labor & Laborers; Mythology; Towns; Work; Workers RECOMPENSE, by DOROTHY MOORE ALFORD Poem Text First Line: The toils and pains of an honest day Last Line: Is the love of god and man -- all told. Subject(s): Contentment; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers REFLECTIONS IN AN IRONWORKS, by CHRISTOPHER MURRAY GRIEVE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Would you resembled the metal you work with Alternate Author Name(s): Macdiarmid, Hugh Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; War; Work; Workers REPATRIATION, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: They called the process. Red wheat senators Last Line: A distorted credo in either tongue Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty RESIGNATION; AN ODE TO THE JOURNEYMEN SHOEMAKERS, SELECTION, by JOHN WOLCOTT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sons of saint crispin, 'tis in vain! / indeed 'tis fruitless to complain Last Line: A truth that grandeur wishes not to know. Alternate Author Name(s): Pindar, Peter; Wolcot, John Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Oppression; Shoes; Strikes; Wages; Work; Workers; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers; Labor Disputes; Lockouts; Salaries RETIREMENT: AN ODE, by THOMAS WARTON THE ELDER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: On beds of daisies idly laid Last Line: Meet to adore some calf of gold. Subject(s): Greed; Happiness; Labor & Laborers; Nature; Pleasure; Retirement; Avarice; Cupidity; Joy; Delight; Work; Workers RHYMES FOR THE TIMES: 4. 1865, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Juist noo there are mony wha rin to an' fro Last Line: To the body?then what for the soul an' for heaven? Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Money; Reform & Reformers; Work; Workers ROAD CHANGED WITH THE SEASONS, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And shrink into dark raisins Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families ROADS, by HILDA WORTHINGTON SMITH Poem Text First Line: Where are the songs that will bind us as Last Line: New roads of peace for the oncoming race. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Roads; Stones; Work; Workers; Paths; Trails; Granite; Rocks ROADSIDE POEMS: A MANCHESTER POEM, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tis a poor drizzly morning, dark and sad Last Line: Dearer than eden-groves with rivers four. Subject(s): Christianity; Cities; Decay; Flowers; God; Home; Labor & Laborers; Manchester, England; Nature; Poetry & Poets; Urban Life; Rot; Decadence; Work; Workers RODGERSON'S DOUG, by WILLIAM AITKEN Poem Text First Line: In oor famed sugar city o' tierces and bags Last Line: Had some men the judgment o' rodgerson's doug. Subject(s): Animals; Dogs; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers RUBBER TIRES, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Some soothing balm the soul requires, when Last Line: "as they leave, on learning bent, they whisper, ""what a sinful gent!" Subject(s): Automobiles - Service Stations; Labor & Laborers; Youth; Gasoline Stations; Filling Stations; Automobile Repair Shops; Work; Workers RUNA PACHA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The feeling grows for weeks Last Line: In this inhospitable air Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty RUSSIA: 1918, by MARY CRAIG SINCLAIR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, hear them! Hear their voices rise at last! Last Line: A world is born, the kingly creeds are dead! Alternate Author Name(s): Sinclair, Upton, Mrs. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Revolutions; Russia; Russian Revolution; Work; Workers; Soviet Union; Russians SAM, by M. G. WILLIAMS Poem Text First Line: Sam hurls waste paper into canvas bags Last Line: Hiccups that shake his rippling dinner-box. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SAN DIEGO AGED, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: My friends and I consume botanas Last Line: Each day I breathe Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SATISFACTION, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I hired a man to hoe my squashes; he came Last Line: "action, endeavors to give satisfaction, deserves a high renown." Subject(s): Gratitude; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SATURDAY'S CHILD, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some are teethed on a silver spoon Subject(s): Holidays; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SECTION GANG: AFTERNOON, by NORMAN BOLKER Poem Text First Line: A simmering sun glows and gleams Last Line: His pick and shovel in their cool dank resting places for the night. Subject(s): Afternoon; Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains SECTION GANG: DAYBREAK, by NORMAN BOLKER Poem Text First Line: Up comes the sun Last Line: But he wouldn't know. Subject(s): Dawn; Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Sunrise; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains SECTION GANG: MORNING, by NORMAN BOLKER Poem Text First Line: Even steel, with its tough heart Last Line: And he feels the impact of a well completed swing of his pointed pick. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Morning; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains SECTION GANG: NIGHT, by NORMAN BOLKER Poem Text First Line: Gandy dancers sleep all night Last Line: But he wouldn't know ... Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Night; Railroads; Work; Workers; Bedtime; Railways; Trains SEEING THEM ON TELEVISION, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The miner's wives and children Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SERFS, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In the lands that the leagueless and lonely, where / fugitive, funeral-paced Last Line: They are our serfs and our brothers, slighted, forsaken, outcast. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Slavery; Work; Workers; Serfs SERPENTINE VOICES: FROM SILENCE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: How many voices can I plum in this poem Last Line: God, we were something else Variant Title(s): Serpentine Voice Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SETTLING, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: I've never seen his eyes so brilliant, cat's eyes Last Line: Anything can sneak between the cracks Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SHE TENDS BAR, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: While she waits for a man Last Line: And unstop her sink besides Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SHINGLING THE NEW ROOF, by DAVID BOTTOMS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: On the roof of the garage my father was Last Line: A sharp impression deepening to a bruise. Subject(s): Accidents; Labor & Laborers; Mothers & Sons; Youth; Work; Workers SHIRK OR WORK?, by GRACE BORDELON AGATE Poem Text First Line: It is easy to sit in the sunshine Last Line: Until it has been on his back. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Leisure; Work; Workers SHIRT, by ROBERT PINSKY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The back, the yoke, the yardage, lapped seams Subject(s): Clothing & Dress; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SIX O'CLOCK, by TRUMBULL STICKNEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now burst above the city's cold twilight Last Line: And fall in blood: we bring him even now. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SKETCH FOR A JOB APPLICATION BLANK, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My left eye is blind and jogs like Last Line: Warmth, more warmth, I cry.) Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Ancestors & Ancestry; Labor & Laborers; Memory; Self-doubt; Heritage; Heredity; Work; Workers SLOW BUT SURE, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The delegate who's slow but sure is nearly Last Line: Allures, enchants. We let him wed our maiden aunts. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SMOKING IN AN OPEN GRAVE, by DAVID BOTTOMS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We bury ourselves to get high Last Line: So much of us already geared for the journey. Subject(s): Cities; Death; Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Urban Life; Dead, The; Work; Workers SOFTBALL AND TOMATO FIELDS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: They swarm like ants from the edge of the field Last Line: Runners caught between bases are all picked off Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SOLDIERS OF MISFORTUNE, by ALICE CRANDALL THAL Poem Text First Line: Why carry on? Last Line: Hope springs again and yet again. We carry on. Subject(s): Class Struggle; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SOMETIMES MY MOTHER WOULD SURPRISE US AT DINNER, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And for a moment the world would stop spinning Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families SONG FOR THE OLD ONES, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My fathers sit on benches Last Line: They kept my race alive Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SONG OF THE CHRISTIAN WORKMAN, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK Poem Text First Line: Our master toiled, a carpenter Last Line: Who serve in labor's brotherhood? Subject(s): Christianity; Jesus Christ; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SONG TO THE MEN OF ENGLAND, by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men of england, wherefore plough Last Line: England be your sepulchre. Variant Title(s): True Freedom Subject(s): Freedom; Labor & Laborers; Manchester, England; Massacres; Liberty; Work; Workers SONGS OF LABOR: DEDICATION, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would the gift I offer here Last Line: In labor, as in prayer, fulfilling the same law. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SONNET: 29, by ARTHUR DAVISON FICKE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In the fair picture of my life's estate Last Line: To wreck, and then rebuild it, stone by stone. Alternate Author Name(s): Knish, Anne Subject(s): Buildings & Builders; Labor & Laborers; Loss; Memory; Solitude; Sonnet (as Literary Form); Work; Workers; Loneliness SONNET: 73, by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: That time of year thou mayst in me behold Last Line: To love that well which thou must leave ere long. Variant Title(s): "that Time Of Year Thou Mayst In Me Behold"";where Late The Sweet Birds Sang;sonnet #73; Subject(s): Aging; Autumn; Conceit; Death; Labor & Laborers; Love - Marital; Old Age; Seasons; Fall; Dead, The; Work; Workers; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love SOUND, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At dawn I squat on the garage Last Line: As they burst from the trees. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Birds; Labor & Laborers; Morning; Work; Workers SOUNDS OF THE CITY, by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE Poem Text First Line: From where I sit the city's ceaseless roar Last Line: Whose every hour a tragedy reveals. Subject(s): Cities; Fights; Labor & Laborers; Urban Life; Work; Workers SOUTHEAST ARKANASIA, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After eli whitney's gin brought to generations Last Line: And the absence of despair / over yonder? Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: COONEY POTTER, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I inherited forty acres from my father Last Line: Brought me here ere I had reached my sixtieth year. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SPRING AND FALL: TO A YOUNG CHILD, by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Margaret, are you grieving Last Line: It is margaret you mourn for. Variant Title(s): Spring And Fall Subject(s): Autumn; Children; God; Grief; Holidays; Labor & Laborers; Mnemonics; Mourning; New Year; Seasons; Social Protest; Spring; Fall; Childhood; Sorrow; Sadness; Work; Workers; Bereavement SQUARING THE NAMES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: When we caught lice in third grade Last Line: The one whose tongue savors life Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty ST. JUAN GUALBERTO, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The work is done, the fabric is complete Last Line: And still the good man's name adorns the sainted roll. Subject(s): Catholic Church - Liturgy; Labor & Laborers; Monks; Piety; Work; Workers STATION SWEEPER, by IONE MORRISON RIDER Poem Text First Line: These large imposing marble corridors Last Line: And dignity attends him down the hall. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroad Stations; Work; Workers STEVEDORE, by EDGAR DANIEL KRAMER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I watched him rolling hogsheads Last Line: From the witching moon. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers STOCK AND VERMONT PUNKINS, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'll tell you what 'twas fun to do Last Line: The same as hide and hair. Subject(s): Food & Eating; Fruit; Hunger; Migrant Labor; Pumpkins; Vermont; Migratory Workers; Agricultural Laborers STONE WALL BUILDERS, by EDITH HASKELL TAPPAN Poem Text First Line: Sturdy and staunch were those new england men Last Line: In this the land we love! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; New England; Stones; Walls; Work; Workers; Granite; Rocks STRAWBERRY TIME, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When the strawberry, ripening, blushes Last Line: From fields where the berries are thick. Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs. Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Fruit; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Strawberries; Work; Workers STRUCTURAL IRON WORKERS, by MACKNIGHT BLACK Poem Text First Line: What love / do these men give their women Last Line: Toward the sky's edge. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers STUMBLING-BLOCKS, by MINNIE M. SHIRK Poem Text First Line: Isn't it strange that princes and kings Last Line: A stumbling-block, or a stepping-stone. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers SUITE TO APPLENESS: 2, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the quonset shed unloading the fertilizer Last Line: Losing shape, into a thick green slime and jelly. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Apples; Farm Life; Fruit; Labor & Laborers; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers SWEAT-SHOP SLAVES, FR. THE POET IN THE DESERT, by CHARLES ERSKINE SCOTT WOOD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I see my white-faced sisters of the foul tenements Last Line: The devil-dance of the shuttles! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Sweatshops; Women - Employment; Work; Workers; Sweating System; Professional Women; Women In Business; Women's Careers SWEET WILL, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The man who stood beside me Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Industry; Labor & Laborers; Transience; Drunkards; Alcohol Abuse; Work; Workers; Impermanence SYMPHONY OF THE SOIL, by EVA K. ANGLESBURG Poem Text First Line: The red sun sinks in veils of amethyst Last Line: The motif of this music of the plains. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Prairies; Soil; Work; Workers; Plains SYMPTOMS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm not a-workin' now! Last Line: I'm not a-workin' now! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Farm Life; Idleness; Labor & Laborers; Agriculture; Farmers; Laziness; Sloth; Indolence; Work; Workers TASKS, by IRMA LOUISE EHRENSBERGER Poem Text First Line: I thought I'd catch up with my tasks today Last Line: I caught up with my dreams instead! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers TELEGRAPH OPERATORS, by M. RAINSFORD HAINES Poem Text First Line: You sit like silent magicians Last Line: About your quiet eyes and touched your patient glance with irony. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Telegraph; Work; Workers; Telegrams TELEPHONE POLES, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They have been with us a long time Last Line: By being never green Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Telephones; Work; Workers THAT GOLDEN TIME, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: When will it come, that golden time Last Line: Makes every man a king. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Freedom; Labor & Laborers; Liberty; Work; Workers THAT GREAT DAY, by OLIVER MURRAY EDWARDS Poem Text First Line: Dear jesus, when I realize Last Line: My soul for that great day. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Prayer; Service; Work; Workers THAT'S VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If any stranger thinks vermont Last Line: Or boom! Bing! Bang! Wow! Wang! And zip! Subject(s): Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Mountain Life - Vermont; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers THE A & P, by MINNIE BRUCE PRATT Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She rolled a tomato in her hand, pink rubber Subject(s): Farm Life; Migrant Workers; Food & Eating; Supermarkets THE ADVANCE GUARD, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They fret and fume at the humdrum round round of sleep and food and toil Last Line: For civilization dogs the heels of a highly uncivilized crew. Subject(s): Guard Duty; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE BAD WORKMAN, by JACQUES ANATOLE FRANCOIS THIBAULT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Master laurent coster, with poetry in his heart Last Line: Through looking in your dark eyes overlong. Alternate Author Name(s): France, Anatole Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Solitude; Work; Workers; Loneliness THE BALLAD OF MARY ANN, by E. M. WRIGHT Poem Text 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 THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: ABSALOM, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I first discovered what was killing these men. Subject(s): Family Life; Labor & Laborers; Death; Relatives; Work; Workers; Dead, The THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: ALLOY, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Furnaces; Landscape; Labor & Laborers; Kilns; Work; Workers THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: GEORGE ROBINSON: BLUES, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gauley bridge is a good town for negroes, they let us stand Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Illness; Dust; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: MEARL BLANKENSHIP, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He stood against the stove Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Illness; Death; Work; Workers; Dead, The THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: PRAISE OF THE COMMITTEE, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These are the lines on which a committee is formed. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Illness; Law & Lawyers; Work; Workers; Attorneys THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: THE BILL, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The subcommittee submits: Subject(s): United States - Congress; Minerals; Disease; Labor & Laborers; Legislation; Work; Workers THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: THE DISEASE: THE AFTER-EFFECTS, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is the life of a congressman. Subject(s): United States - Congress; Minerals; Disease; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: THE DOCTORS, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell the jury your name. Subject(s): Trials; Physicians; Labor & Laborers; Death; Doctors; Work; Workers; Dead, The THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: THE FACE OF THE DAM: VIVIAN JONES, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the hour he shuts the door and walks out of town; Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Snow; Dams; Work; Workers THE BOSS'S BOOTS, by HENRY HERTZBERG LAWSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The shearers squint along the pens, they squint along the shoots Last Line: But pink 'em nice and pretty when you see the boss's boots. Subject(s): Deception; Labor & Laborers; Sheep; Shoes; Work; Workers; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers THE BREAD OF THIS WORLD; PRAISES III, by THOMAS MCGRATH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: On the christmaswhite plains of the floured and flowering Last Line: But that is a workaday story and this is the end of the week Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Men; Work; Workers THE BRICKLAYER, by VASILY (VASILI) VASILYEVICH KAZIN Poem Text First Line: I saunter home in the evening Last Line: Sings a red song of the bricks. Subject(s): Bricklayers; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE BRIDE, by BELLA AKHMADULINA Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh to be a bride Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Marriage; Women; Work; Workers; Weddings; Husbands; Wives THE BULLPEN PITCHER, by WILLIAM A. PHELON Poem Text First Line: The beaver and the busy bee Last Line: A bullpen pitcherthat is all! Subject(s): Baseball; Labor & Laborers; Sports; Work; Workers THE BURDEN OF THE DAY, by BAYARD TAYLOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Who shall rise and cast away Last Line: Lose the burden of the day! Alternate Author Name(s): Taylor, James Bayard Subject(s): Fortune; Freedom; Labor & Laborers; Liberty; Work; Workers THE CARPENTER, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I look at my hands Last Line: Until our bodies fall off. Subject(s): Hands; Labor & Laborers; Slavery; Work; Workers; Serfs THE CARTER, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O, I be a carter wi' my whip Last Line: The heavy lwoad do slowly ride. Subject(s): Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Trucks & Trucking; Wagons; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Teamsters; Truckers; Freight THE CLICK OF THE WIELDED PICK, by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER Poem Text First Line: Oh, I like to list to the wielded pick Last Line: And sweet is its metal tone. Subject(s): Axes; Knives; Labor & Laborers; Hatchets; Daggers; Work; Workers THE CLOSING OF THE RODEO, by WILLIAM JAY SMITH Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lariat snaps, the cowboy rolls Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Rodeos; Sports; Work; Workers THE COLLEGE COLONEL, by HERMAN MELVILLE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He rides at their head Last Line: Ah heaven! -- what truth to him! Subject(s): American Civil War; Labor & Laborers; United States - History; War; Work; Workers THE COMMON TASKS, by GRACE NOLL CROWELL Poem Text First Line: The common tasks are beautiful if we Last Line: That at our given work we do our best. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE CORN HUSKER, by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Hard by the indian lodges, where the bush Last Line: Like the dead husks that rustle through her hands. Alternate Author Name(s): Tekahionwake Subject(s): Corn; Injustice; Labor & Laborers; Metaphor; Native Americans; Weariness; Work; Workers; Similes; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; Fatigue THE CORNER NEWSBOY, by VICTORIO ACOSTA VELASCO Poem Text First Line: Shout aloud your merchandise, loud, louder Last Line: Winter morning's breakfast. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; News; Newspapers; Work; Workers; Journalism; Journalists THE CROSS ROADS, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There was an old man breaking stones Last Line: And a stone is on her face. Subject(s): Funerals; Girls; Labor & Laborers; Lunch; Murder; Rest; Soldiers; Story-telling; Travel; Burials; Work; Workers; Journeys; Trips THE DAUGHTER OF HERODIAS, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Three yellow slaves were set to swing Last Line: "to-morrow's supper shall be light." Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Moon; Slavery; Work; Workers; Serfs THE DAY AND THE WORK, by EDWIN MARKHAM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To each man is given a day and his work for the day Last Line: So your work is awaiting: it has waited through ages for you. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE DEATH OF THE HIRED MAN, by ROBERT FROST Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Mary sat musing on the lamp-flame at the table Last Line: Dead,' was all he answered. Subject(s): Death; Home; Labor & Laborers; Dead, The; Work; Workers THE DEVIL'S DUE, by EDITH BLAND NESBIT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Arsenius, priest of god, I tell Last Line: The church their love built waits for them. Alternate Author Name(s): Nesbit, E.; Bland, Mrs. Hubert Subject(s): Churches; Labor & Laborers; Socialism; Cathedrals; Work; Workers THE DITCH, by MICHAEL RYAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the ditch, half-ton sections of cast-iron molds Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE DREAM SONGS: 299, by JOHN BERRYMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The irish have the thickest ankles in the world Last Line: Depressed. Down on my knees Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, John, Jr. Subject(s): Dublin, Ireland; Labor & Laborers; Prayer; Work; Workers THE ENGLISH FARM-LABORER'S SUNDAY, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The winds are sweet that sweep to-day Last Line: Each day in all the seven. Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs. Subject(s): Bible; Churches; Labor & Laborers; Sabbath; Cathedrals; Work; Workers; Sunday THE EVERLASTING SUNDAY, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Waiting for it Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE FACTORIES, by MARGARET WIDDEMER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have shut my little sister in from life and light Last Line: God of life! Creator! It was I! It was I! Alternate Author Name(s): Schauffler, Mrs. Robert H. Subject(s): Child Labor; Labor & Laborers; New York City; Work; Workers; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple THE FEE, by BILL ZAVATSKY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear author: / we are preparing Last Line: At your earliest convenience Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Poetry & Poets; Work; Workers THE FISHERWOMAN, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She took from her basket four fishes Subject(s): Fish & Fishing; Labor & Laborers; Women; Anglers; Work; Workers THE FISHVENDOR, by WILLIAM MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where he stood in boots in water to his calves Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Morris Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE FLEECE: BOOK 2, by JOHN DYER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now of the severed lock begin the song Last Line: Who toil and wealth exchange for sloth and pride. Subject(s): Animal Rights; Clothing & Dress; Hunting; Labor & Laborers; Sheep; Trade; Animal Abuse; Vivisection; Hunters; Work; Workers THE FLEECE: BOOK 3, by JOHN DYER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Proceed, arcadian muse; resume the pipe Last Line: Lo, from the simple fleece, how much proceeds. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Trade; Weaving & Weavers; Work; Workers THE FLEECE: BOOK 4, by JOHN DYER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now, with our wooly treasures amply stored Last Line: Or as air's vital fluid o'er the globe. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Merchants; Trade; Travel; Weaving & Weavers; Work; Workers; Journeys; Trips THE FLOWERING ORCHARD; SILK EMBROIDERY, by WILLIAM MORRIS (1834-1896) Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lo silken my garden Last Line: When summer was hot! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Orchards; Work; Workers THE FORGE; A ROMANCE OF THE IRON AGE, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Like a dead man gone to his shroud Last Line: Is all as black as the devil! Subject(s): Forges; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN INDUSTRY, by DONALD HALL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the ford plant Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE FOUR DEARS, by EBENEZER ELLIOTT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Dear sugar, dear tea, and dear corn Last Line: Shall still rob the dear british nation. Alternate Author Name(s): Corn-law Rhymer; Elliot, Ebenezer Subject(s): Free Trade; Labor & Laborers; Politics & Government; Trade; Work; Workers THE GENTLE WEIGHT LIFTER, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Every man to his kind of welcome in the world Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE GLORY OF TOIL, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Whether they delve in the buried coal, or plough the upland soil Last Line: Is guiding the whole creation up from the deeps to him! Alternate Author Name(s): Dean Subject(s): God; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE GRANDMOTHER, by WENDELL BERRY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Better born than married, misled Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE GRAVE DIGGER, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A grim old man with a weazened visage Last Line: Chuckles the sexton, digging graves. Subject(s): Cemeteries; Death; Graves; Labor & Laborers; Graveyards; Dead, The; Tombs; Tombstones; Work; Workers THE GREAT FRANCHISE DEMONSTRATION: DUNDEE, 20TH SEPTEMBER 1884, by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Twas in the year of 1884, and on saturday the 20th of september Last Line: And they all dispersed quietly to their homes without delay. Subject(s): Human Rights; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE GRUNTER, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If you're complaining of your task, and sighing Last Line: His wages, will land some morning at the dump, and there he'll stay for ages. Subject(s): Industrial Workers Of The World (i.w.w.); Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Wages; Work; Workers; Salaries THE HEART KNOWETH ITS OWN BITTERNESS' (2), by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When all the overwork of life Last Line: I full of christ and christ of me. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): God; Hearts; Labor & Laborers; Life; Soul; Work; Workers THE HELMET, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All the way Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE HILL ABOVE THE MINE, by MALCOLM COWLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nobody comes to the graveyard on the hill Last Line: Your white bones drifting like herons across the moon. Subject(s): Cemeteries; Labor & Laborers; Graveyards; Work; Workers THE HIRED MAN'S FAITH IN CHILDREN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I believe all childern's good Last Line: S jes' as good as they kin be! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Labor & Laborers; Childhood; Work; Workers THE INDIAN CORN PLANTER, by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He needs must leave the trapping and the chase Last Line: With fostering richness, mothers every grain. Alternate Author Name(s): Tekahionwake Subject(s): Hunting; Labor & Laborers; Native Americans; Plants; Hunters; Work; Workers; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; Planting; Planters THE INHERITOR, by RENE FRANCOIS ARMAND PRUDHOMME Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am kind-hearted, wish no creature ill Last Line: Bland-eyed and bloody as an ogre's whelp. Alternate Author Name(s): Sully-prudhomme Subject(s): Inheritance And Succession; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE IRON WORKER, by MAURICE BROWN KIRBY Poem Text First Line: We've heard about the sojer an' his gun Last Line: An' his motto often gits him in a gang. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE JOB, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The job will not make you, my boy Last Line: Just what you will make of your job. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE JOBHOLDER, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I stand in the rain waiting for my bus Last Line: And wait for my turn to die. Subject(s): Death; Labor & Laborers; Dead, The; Work; Workers THE LABORER, by RICHARD DEHMEL Poem Text First Line: We have a bed, and a baby too Last Line: Only time! Subject(s): Family Life; Fields; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Time; Relatives; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers THE LABORER, by JOSE-MARIA DE HEREDIA (1842-1905) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Here is the yoke, with arrow and share near by Last Line: In sunless fields of erebus forlorn. Subject(s): Fields; Labor & Laborers; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers THE LABORER'S NOONDAY HYMN, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Up to the throne of god is borne Last Line: When we shall sink to final rest. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE LABOURER, by ALEKSEY STEPANOVICH KHOMYAKOV Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All day, so long as arms had power Last Line: Is ready to be sown by thee. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE LABOURER, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For a heracles in his fighting ire there is never the glory that follows Last Line: Trust. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Mythology; Work; Workers THE LAMENTATION OF THE OLD PENSIONER (2), by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Although I shelter from the rain Last Line: That has transfigured me. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Retirement; Work; Workers THE LAMPLIGHTER, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky Last Line: O leerie, see a little child and nod to him to-night! Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Variant Title(s): A Child's Garden Of Verses: 30 Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Lamplighters; Work; Workers THE LAST RHYME, SAVE ONE, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I've sung in a wayward fashion Last Line: The poet of later on. Subject(s): Friendship; Labor & Laborers; Life; Poetry & Poets; Rhyme; Singing & Singers; Story-telling; Work; Workers THE LAW, by KATHARINE SPRINGER Poem Text First Line: In your own hands your future lies Last Line: You set the price, fate in your own coin paid! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Law & Lawyers; Work; Workers THE LAW OF ADJUSTMENT, by ROBERT EMMET SHERWOOD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Said the man with the hoe to the man with the pick Last Line: Saw his grocery bill -- and then struck for more pay. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Work; Workers THE LAY OF THE LABOURER, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A spade! A rake! A hoe! Last Line: The spital, or the gaol! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE LIVING DEAD, by RALPH CHAPLIN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Mourn not the dead that in the cool earth lie Last Line: And dare not speak! Subject(s): Freedom; Industrial Workers Of The World (i.w.w.); Labor Unions; Liberty THE LONG TRAIL: THE PRAIRIE FARM, by ELIZABETH SEWELL HILL Poem Text First Line: Under the lifting ridges of smoke Last Line: Is comeis come! Subject(s): Farm Life; Fields; Labor & Laborers; Prairies; Roads; Agriculture; Farmers; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers; Plains; Paths; Trails THE MACHINE, by MAXWELL STRUTHERS BURT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Once in a dreary place where women die Last Line: Find only this, a respite from the loom? Alternate Author Name(s): Burt, Struthers Subject(s): Death; Labor & Laborers; Mills & Millers; Women; Dead, The; Work; Workers THE MACHINE, by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Since thursday he'd been working overtime Last Line: As, hand in hand, they wandered through the night. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Machinery & Machinists; Work; Workers THE MAN WITH THE HOE, by EDWIN MARKHAM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bowed by the weight of centuries he leans Last Line: After the silence of the centuries? Subject(s): Art & Artists; Farm Life; Freedom; Labor & Laborers; Mankind; Millet, Jean Francois (1814-1875); Oppression; Paintings & Painters; Religion; Social Protest; Soldiers; Agriculture; Farmers; Liberty; Work; Workers; Human Race; Theology THE MAN WITH THE HOE OUTWITTED, by EDWIN MARKHAM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He drew a circle that shut me out Last Line: We drew a circle that took him in! Variant Title(s): Outwitted Subject(s): Forgiveness; Labor & Laborers; Clemency; Work; Workers THE MAN WITH THE HOE'; A REPLY, by JOHN VANCE CHENEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Nature reads not our labels, 'great' and 'small' Last Line: And let a kingdom go. Subject(s): Art & Artists; Labor & Laborers; Markham, Edwin (1852-1940); Work; Workers THE MARCH O' MAN, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down to work o' mornings, an' back to home at nights Last Line: But sweet an' low 'tis love that calls us home at close o' day. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Home; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE MARRIAGE, by MARK STRAND Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The wind comes from opposite poles Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Love - Marital; Work; Workers; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love THE MASTER'S MAN, by WILLIAM G. TARRANT Poem Text First Line: My master was a worker Last Line: The master's men are there. Subject(s): Jesus Christ; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE MINERS OF DELTA, by SUSAN STEWART Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the anonymous night I see them Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE MODEL KID, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How sweet the child who says, 'I will' Last Line: Dies, no soul in town will mourn. Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Obedience; Parents; Parenthood THE MONTH OF MAYING, by THOMAS MORLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now is the month of maying Last Line: Shall we play barley-break. Variant Title(s): Madrigal Set By Thomas Morley (11) Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE MORNING QUATRAINS, by CHARLES COTTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The cock has crow'd an hour ago Last Line: Would be discover'd by the cry. Variant Title(s): Morning Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE MUNITION WORKERS, by DIANA JAMES Poem Text First Line: They sat upon a hill Last Line: With the dread weight of an eternal sleep. Subject(s): Arms & Armor; Labor & Laborers; Weapons; Ammunition; Work; Workers THE NEXT FIFTY YEARS, by ANSELM HOLLO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Turn, tremble at honk Last Line: To where road starts again Subject(s): Buildings & Builders; Cities; Future Life; Labor & Laborers; Urban Life; Retribution; Eternity; After Life; Work; Workers THE NURSE, by KATHARINE TYNAN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Such innocent companionship Last Line: Within is only innocence. Alternate Author Name(s): Hinkson, Katharine Tynan Subject(s): Caregivers; Children; Innocence; Labor & Laborers; Nurses; Praise; Childhood; Work; Workers THE ODE OF PERFECT YEARS: 3. LABOUR, by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They do the maker wrong Last Line: A voice of high hope conquering despair! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE OFFICIAL SCORER, by WILLIAM A. PHELON Poem Text First Line: He sits down in the press-box, knowing well Last Line: Is general derision and the razz! Subject(s): Anger; Baseball; Labor & Laborers; Sports; Work; Workers THE OLD CARRIER, by JOHN LAWSON STODDARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Patient toiler on the road Last Line: To and from menaggio. Subject(s): Aging; Bells; Christmas; Death; Labor & Laborers; Nativity, The; Dead, The; Work; Workers THE OLD GENTRY, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: That all from adam first began Last Line: Himself can fix or change his fate. Subject(s): Adam & Eve; Bible; Fate; Labor & Laborers; Destiny; Work; Workers THE OLD LABOURER, by ARTHUR WILLIAM SYMONS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: His fourscore years have bent a back of oak Last Line: Just seventeen pence to starve on, seven days long. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Work; Workers THE OLD WORKMAN, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why are you so bent down before your time Last Line: "when I lie underground." Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Work; Workers THE ORANGE BEARS, by KENNETH PATCHEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The orange bears with soft friendly eyes Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Poetry & Poets; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891); Work; Workers THE PAPER CUTTER, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He slides the cut paper out Last Line: "and not get up all day,"" he laughs" Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE PARENT, by OGDEN NASH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Children aren't happy with nothing to ignore Subject(s): Children; Labor & Laborers; Mothers; Parents; Childhood; Work; Workers; Parenthood THE PLATELAYER, by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tapping the rails as he went by Last Line: But he was tired, and it must wait. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE POOR LISTENER, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I sit in the grocery store, discoursing of current Last Line: Other fellows a chance. Subject(s): Grocers; Labor & Laborers; Public Meetings; Speech; Work; Workers; Oratory; Orators THE PRESENT, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The day comes slowly in the railyard Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains THE PROBLEM, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not without envy wealth at times must look Last Line: Save in the golden rule of christ alone. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE RAINBOW [IN THE SKY], by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: My heart leaps up when I behold Last Line: Bound each to each by natural piety. Variant Title(s): "my Heart Leaps Up When I Behold"";my Heart Leaps Up; Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Nature; Rainbows; Religion; Work; Workers; Theology THE RIVER-MERCHANT'S WIFE: A LETTER, by LI PO Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: While my hair was still cut straight across my forehead Last Line: As far as cho-fu-sa. Alternate Author Name(s): Rihaku; Li Pai; Li Tai Pe; Li Bo; Li Bai Variant Title(s): Cathay: The River Merchant's Wife: A Letter Subject(s): Absence; Labor & Laborers; Love - Marital; Men; Teenagers; Separation; Isolation; Work; Workers; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love THE ROAD MENDERS, by LAURENCE BINYON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How solitary gleams the lamplit street Last Line: The fiery destiny of man. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Roads; Work; Workers; Paths; Trails THE ROADMAN, by ARTHUR GLYN PRYS-JONES Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He is a man with stubbled, lean, grey face Last Line: Whether I keep a road clean ... For anyone. Subject(s): Cleanliness; Labor & Laborers; Refuse & Refuse Disposal; Wales; Work; Workers; Welshmen; Welshwomen THE SACRAMENT OF WORK, by WILLIAM ARTHUR DUNKERLEY Poem Text First Line: Upon thy bended knees thank god for work Last Line: We thank thee, lord! Alternate Author Name(s): Oxenham, John Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Religion; Sacraments; Work; Workers; Theology THE SEAMSTRESS, by HENRI BARBUSSE Poem Text First Line: A glimmer of daylight through the rain Last Line: In invisible song. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Retail Trade; Seamstresses; Sewing; Work; Workers; Stores; Shops; Shopkeepers THE SHEARER'S SERENADE, by PIERRE CASSEE Poem Text First Line: Come out, o miss, of yonder 'omestead proud Last Line: Of really quite innumerable b's. Alternate Author Name(s): Bushy Bill Subject(s): Desire; Labor & Laborers; Love; Sheep; Work; Workers THE SHEPHERD BOY'S SONG, FR. THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, by JOHN BUNYAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He that is down need fear no fall Last Line: Is best from age to age. Variant Title(s): The Valley Of Humiliation Subject(s): Humility; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE SLEEPERS, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: As I walked down the waterside Last Line: And long before their time they die. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Homeless; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE SONG OF THE DRAINER (ON TOWARD MOUNTAIN), by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He is the drainer- / out on the moorland bleak and grey, using his Last Line: Such is the drainer. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Solitude; Work; Workers; Loneliness THE SONG OF THE LOWER CLASSES, by ERNEST CHARLES JONES Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We plough and sow - we're so very, very low Last Line: But too low to touch the spoil. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE SONG OF THE QUARRYMEN, by WINFRED GEORGE Poem Text First Line: Oh, listen to the steady mighty stroke! Last Line: Or some inscription by multitude is read. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE SONG OF THE SHIRT, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With fingers weary and worn Last Line: "she sang this ""song of the shirt!" Subject(s): Adversity; Freedom; Labor & Laborers; Religion; Social Protest; Liberty; Work; Workers; Theology THE SONG OF THE SHOVEL, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Down on creation's muck-pile where the sinful / swelter and sweat Last Line: When you'll rise o'er sword and sceptre a mighty power in the land. Subject(s): Byzantine Empire; Death; Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Dead, The; Work; Workers THE SORROWS OF SUNDAY; AN ELEGY, SELECTION, by JOHN WOLCOTT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Susan, the constant slave to mop and broom Last Line: And ride themselves an airing with the devil. Alternate Author Name(s): Pindar, Peter; Wolcot, John Subject(s): Grief; Household Employees; Labor & Laborers; Sabbath; Slavery; Sorrow; Sadness; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Work; Workers; Sunday; Serfs THE SOWER, by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ridge on ridge the great fields lie Last Line: And the prayers of broken hearts. Subject(s): England; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; English; Work; Workers THE SPINNING WHEEL, by ISOBEL (ISABEL) PAGAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When I sit at my spinning wheel Last Line: That takes this occupation. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Spinning; Work; Workers THE SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Come, fling for a moment, my fellows Last Line: For one wild moment to see! Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Progress; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains THE SQUIRE OF DAMES; OR, A TOUR IN SPAIN, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How happy who travels from london to cadiz Last Line: That man highly favour'd, the squire of four ladies. Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Spain; Women; Work; Workers THE STATUARY, by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Mong purple deeps and foam-engirdled shallows Last Line: Till now his fame to the four winds is blown. Subject(s): Craftsmanship; Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Work; Workers THE STRIKE OF THE SMITHS, by FRANCOIS COPPEE Poem Text First Line: Messieurs les juges! My story shall be brief Last Line: And if you send me to the scaffoldthanks! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Strikes; Work; Workers; Labor Disputes; Lockouts THE STUDENT'S WIFE, by VICTOR MARIE HUGO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She said, 'it is true, love; how foolish my sighs! Last Line: "you look at me sometimes yourself for a while!" Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Love; Schools; Work; Workers; Students THE SUMMER GIRL, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The summer girl doth now unfurl Last Line: "the cow with the crumpled horn" Subject(s): Beauty; Girls; Labor & Laborers; Seduction; Summer; Work; Workers THE SUNDOWNER'S SACRIFICE, by J. O. Poem Text First Line: Old jacky gazed on the setting sun Last Line: "hm, clear out of here likeblazes!" Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Practical Jokes; Work; Workers; Pranks THE SUPERSEDED, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As newer comers crowd the fore Last Line: Too, drop behind? Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Work; Workers THE SWEATSHOP POEM, by EDWARD HIRSCH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are thirty-one shallow graves in august Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Sweatshops; Work; Workers; Sweating System THE SWEEPER OF THE FLOOR, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Methought that in a solemn church I stood Last Line: It is the lord! I cried, and saw no more. Subject(s): Churches; Cleanliness; Labor & Laborers; Religion; Cathedrals; Work; Workers; Theology THE SWEEPERS, by ADA GIDDINGS Poem Text First Line: The jaquaranda blued the walk and lawn Last Line: Before you blame another, try his yoke! Subject(s): Brotherhood; Labor & Laborers; Sonnet (as Literary Form); Work; Workers THE SWEEPERS, by WILLIAM WHITEHEAD Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: I sing of sweepers, frequent in thy streets, / augusta, as the flowers Last Line: And perished in the streets from whence she sprung. Subject(s): Cleanliness; Industry; Labor & Laborers; Pensions; Work; Workers THE SWING, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How do you like to go up in a swing Last Line: Up in the air and down! Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Variant Title(s): A Child's Garden Of Verses: 33 Subject(s): Children; Labor & Laborers; Swings; Childhood; Work; Workers THE THINKER, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Back of the beating hammer Last Line: Who's making the dream come true! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE THREE BEST THING: 1. WORK, by HENRY VAN DYKE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Let me but do my work from day to day Last Line: Because I know for me my work is best. Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus Variant Title(s): The Blessing Of Work Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Religion; Work; Workers; Theology THE TOTE TEAM, by ARCHIE WILFRED STONE Poem Text First Line: Over the bridge / with heavy tread Last Line: A black and a white and a blood-red bay. Subject(s): Animals; Horses; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE TRAFFIC MAN, by ANNETTE WYNNE Poem Text First Line: The traffic man stands in the square Last Line: When his day's work is done. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; September; Traffic; Work; Workers THE TRAINED ASS, by FRANCIS JAMMES Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm the trained ass, the very ass who can Last Line: In my nightmare to count the very stars. Subject(s): Asses & Mules; Labor & Laborers; Pain; Mules; Work; Workers; Suffering; Misery THE TRUCK DRIVER, by EDITH HARRIET JONES Poem Text First Line: He came out from the house Last Line: American. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Trucks & Trucking; Work; Workers; Teamsters; Truckers; Freight THE TRUTH ABOUT ENVY, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I like to see the flowers grow Last Line: If I would work like those who do. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Envy; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE VERMONT 'HIRED MAN', by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The hired man we knew of yore Last Line: The past and present hired man. Subject(s): Cattle; Cows; Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Milk; Vermont; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Milkmen; Milkmaids THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Under a spreading chestnut-tree Last Line: Each burning deed and thought! Subject(s): Blacksmiths; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Home; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE VILLAGE MUNITIONS CO., INC.; FORMERLY THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Under spreading chestnut tree Last Line: Has earned two thou. Per cent. Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Business; Factories; Labor & Laborers; Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth (1807-1882); Money; Wealth; Businessmen; Businesswomen; Work; Workers; Riches; Fortunes THE VOICE OF HUMAN LABOR, by MRS. W. N. CARLETON Poem Text First Line: I am human labor Last Line: Shall be upon all nations. Subject(s): Humanity; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE WALL, by EUGENIO MONTALE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To lie in shadow on the lawn Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE WANTS OF MAN, by JOHN QUINCY ADAMS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Man wants but little here below Last Line: The mercy of my god. Subject(s): Contentment; Labor & Laborers; Simplicity; Work; Workers THE WASHERWOMAN, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the north end of our village stands Last Line: In marriage-robes, I trust. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Laundry & Laundering; Soul; Washerwomen; Work; Workers THE WAY, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: My love's manners in bed Last Line: And love her as hard as you can Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Love - Marital; Work; Workers; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love THE WESTERN JOURNALIST, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's a wonderful town,' said the newspaper Last Line: "nor climate a career." Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Newspapers; Television - Interviewing; Travel; Work; Workers; Journalism; Journalists; Journeys; Trips THE WHILE THEY CRADLE CLOTHES...., by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: And those who do their washing in a stream Last Line: That men who labour gather while they toil. Subject(s): Clothing & Dress; Labor & Laborers; Sea; Work; Workers; Ocean THE WOMEN TOILERS, by GRACE BOWEN EVANS Poem Text First Line: I saw them from our car today Last Line: As I was passing by their fields today! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Women - Employment; Work; Workers; Professional Women; Women In Business; Women's Careers THE WOODMAN, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The woodman in clearing the forest Last Line: Hewing our way to the light. Subject(s): Forests; Labor & Laborers; Woods; Work; Workers THE WORD IS DEED, by JOHN BROOKS WHEELWRIGHT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: John begins like genesis Last Line: Dance all, for each would dare the tune.) Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Tools; Work; Workers THE WORKER, by DAVID GREENHOOD Poem Text First Line: I've towered above the hilt of my spade Last Line: Even christ could not make you listen. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE WORKER, by GERALD MASSEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I care not a curse though from birth he inherit Last Line: I'll cherish, - a man ever dear to my soul. Alternate Author Name(s): Bandiera Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE WORKING MAN (AFTER SEEING HIS PICTURE IN THE PRESS), by ALFRED DENNIS GODLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Working man! Whose psychic beauty Last Line: Bless the british working man! Alternate Author Name(s): Godley, A. D. Subject(s): Class Struggle; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE WORKING MAN'S SONG, by JOHN STUART BLACKIE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: I am no gentleman, not I! Last Line: Who made me so! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE WORKMAN, by RICHARD DEHMEL Poem Text First Line: We have a bed and we have a child Last Line: Time--that's all. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THE WORLD AND THE QUIETEST, by MATTHEW ARNOLD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why, when the world's great mind Last Line: And drained his mighty bowl. Variant Title(s): To Critias Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Rest; Work; Workers THE YOUNG GLASS-STAINER, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These gothic windows, how they wear me out Last Line: Mary, and think of aphrodite's form.' Subject(s): Architecture & Architects; Glass & Glassblowers; Labor & Laborers; Paintings & Painters; Glaziers; Work; Workers THEIR BODIES, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: That gaunt old man came first, his hair as white Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers THEN AND NOW, by CECIL DAY LEWIS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Do you remember those mornings after the blitzes Last Line: Make real, of glory, common wealth, and home. Alternate Author Name(s): Blake, Nicolas Subject(s): Factories; Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Memory; News; Strikes; Surrey, England; Unemployment; Work; Workers; Labor Disputes; Lockouts THESE OLD RAGS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: I dig in hard clay dirt Last Line: I could use a cheap gardener Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty THEY FEED THEY LION, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of burlap sacks, out of bearing butter Subject(s): Animals; Dreams; Food & Eating; Industry; Labor & Laborers; Lions; Nightmares; Work; Workers THIS YEAR'S CYCLE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: We lie on the sand, carve tunnels down our sides Last Line: We make connections: our sons ask about the beach Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty THIS YEARNING SEASON, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Another spring done up in blue-eyed grass Last Line: More dance and show me how its done Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty THROUGH TOIL, by AMOS LUNT HINDS Poem Text First Line: I hold it better far that one should rule Last Line: To sluggish souls, -- nor his transcendent peace. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers TIMES CHANGE, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The other day I bought a hen, which fowl Last Line: Liver. Subject(s): Cost Of Living; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers TISICA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: What does your dusty shack Last Line: Nightmare of the poor, the dread disease Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty TO A BEE, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thou wert out betimes, thou busy busy bee Last Line: Woe then for thee, thou busy busy bee! Subject(s): Bees; Insects; Labor & Laborers; Nature - Religious Aspects; Teaching & Teachers; Beekeeping; Bugs; Work; Workers TO A SUCCESSFUL MAN; (WHAT THE GHOSTS SAID), by ALFRED NOYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And after all the labour and the pains Last Line: In your last dreams they may come back to you. Subject(s): Courage; Dreams; Faces; Fame; Labor & Laborers; Love; Valor; Bravery; Nightmares; Reputation; Work; Workers TO BE OF USE, by MARGE PIERCY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The people I love the best Subject(s): Jewish Families; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers TO CERTAIN JOURNEYMEN, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Undertakers, hearse drivers, grave diggers Last Line: And you earn a living by those who say good-by today in thin whispers. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers TO CHARLOTTE PULTENEY [IN HER MOTHER'S ARMS], by AMBROSE PHILIPS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Timely blossom, infant fair, / fondling of a happy pair Last Line: This picture, once, resembled thee. Alternate Author Name(s): Phillips, Ambrose; Nam-by-pam-by Variant Title(s): To An Infant In Her Mother's Arms Subject(s): Babies; Labor & Laborers; Infants; Work; Workers TO F.A.B., A VIRTUOUS YOUNG PHYSICIAN ABOUT TO PRACTISE, by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB Poem Text First Line: Frank, young in years, but no unworthy heir Last Line: The master whom luke served is also thine. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Physicians; Professions; Work; Workers; Doctors TO IRON-FOUNDERS AND OTHERS, by GORDON BOTTOMLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When you destroy a blade of grass Last Line: Chisels men's hands to magnify. Subject(s): Environment; Industrial Revolution; Labor & Laborers; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Work; Workers TO LABOR, by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE Poem Text First Line: O ye who toil at forges! Last Line: Which rightly is your own. Subject(s): Factories; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers TO LABOR, by CHARLOTTE PERKINS STETSON GILMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shall you complain who feed the world? Last Line: Believe and dare and do! Alternate Author Name(s): Stetson, Charlotte Perkins Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Social Problems; Work; Workers TO MY READERS, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A worker on the rail, where, day by day Last Line: This book of railway song. Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains TO ONE ASLEEP, by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With a rush and a growl at cannon street Last Line: Here is man's eldest son?' Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Sleep; Social Classes; Weariness; Work; Workers; Caste; Fatigue TO TEACHERS OF THE YOUNG, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Husbandman, for work prepare Last Line: Finds an early tomb. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Youth; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers TO THE RAILROAD MEN, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O brotherhood of engineers Last Line: Of so-called sleeping cars at 8o? Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Business; Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Businessmen; Businesswomen; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains TO THE STREET PIANO: A LABOURER'S WIFE, by JOHN DAVIDSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All the day I worked and played Last Line: I hope to die to-night. Subject(s): Despair; Labor & Laborers; Marriage; Work; Workers; Weddings; Husbands; Wives TO WAKEN AN OLD LADY, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Old age is Last Line: Piping of plenty. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Old Age; Work; Workers TOADS REVISITED, by PHILIP LARKIN Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Walking around in the park Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Toads; Work; Workers TOBY'S REPLY, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O toby was a darky who could pick the banjo fine Last Line: "wait on de students, massa."" he promptly made reply." Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Universities & Colleges; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers TOIL, by RALPH GROTE Poem Text First Line: Investment of the golden hours of youth! Last Line: From toil to truth, 'tis god's eternal song! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers TOIL, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He had toiled away for a weary Last Line: "but toil is sweeter than all things else." Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Day; Labor & Laborers; Love; Night; Soul; Work; Workers; Bedtime TOILING CHILDREN, by NELLIE H. EVANS Poem Text First Line: The prey of greed and cruel industry Last Line: An ample chance to play, to grow and learn. Subject(s): Babies; Cruelty; Labor & Laborers; Infants; Work; Workers TOM'S GARLAND: UPON THE UNEMPLOYED, by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tom - garlanded with squat and surly steel Last Line: Manwolf; worse; and their packs infest the age. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Unemployment; Work; Workers TORQUE, by DAVID RIVARD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After his ham & cheese in the drape factory cafeteria Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 2. IN A MANUFACTURING TOWN, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: As I walked restless and despondent through the gloomy city Last Line: Little child. Subject(s): Capitalism; Democracy; Depressions, Economic; Environment; Factories; Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Smoke; Recessions; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Work; Workers TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 2. WHAT HAVE I TO DO WITH THEE, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Weary with the restless burden of this world last night I fell Last Line: "quicklyinto space!" Subject(s): Conventions; Labor & Laborers; Politics & Government; Wealth; Assemblies; Meetings; Work; Workers; Riches; Fortunes TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 3. THE STONE-CUTTER, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: And men to-day - are they not always running about to do something Last Line: Emerge time after time from the heart of the people. Subject(s): Carpenters; Labor & Laborers; Stone-cutting; Work; Workers TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 4. IN THE STONE-FLOORED WORKSHOP, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There in the stone-floored workshop in the middle of a great dirty city Last Line: And my dear comrade. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Stone-cutting; Work; Workers TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 4. THE DREAM GOES BY, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The dream goes by, touches men's hearts, and floats and fades again Last Line: And floats, and waits, again. Subject(s): Dreams; Labor & Laborers; Nightmares; Work; Workers TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 4. THE PLOUGHBOY, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The blackbirds sing so sweetly in the morning Last Line: Lord! It does make you sweat! Subject(s): Animals; Farm Life; Horses; Labor & Laborers; Singing & Singers; Stables; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Songs TOWERS OF SIMON RODIA; FOR HOWARD W. SWENSON 1903-1081, by KAREN SWENSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Trapped in a tunnel Last Line: The day he locked the door on eden. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Rodia, Simon (1875-1959); Watts Towers, Los Angeles (1921-1955); Work; Workers TRAGEDY, by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: This, of all fates, would be the saddest end Last Line: To every baseness of the foe he fought. Alternate Author Name(s): A. E. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Mythology - Celtic; Slavery; Work; Workers; Serfs TRANSLATIONS OF PINDAR: 6. TO AGESIAS OF SYRACUSE, by REGINALD HEBER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Who seeks a goodly bower to raise Last Line: No meaner theme assign of poesy! Subject(s): Fights; Goddesses & Gods; Labor & Laborers; Mythology; Work; Workers TRINITY PLACE, by PHYLLIS MCGINLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The pigeons that peck at the grass in trinity churchyard Alternate Author Name(s): Hayden, Charles, Mrs. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Pigeons; Unemployment; Work; Workers TRIUMPHAL MARCH, by THOMAS MCGRATH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: After the long strike Last Line: What did it matter we'd lost? Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Labor Unions; Strength; Strikes; Work; Workers; Labor Disputes; Lockouts TURNING TRAYS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Each vineyard is a world of crosses Last Line: Unfinished lines to tend Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty TURNS AT THE DANCE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The man who loves rancheras holds out his hand Last Line: She weighs his invitation to the dance Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty TWO KINDS, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The lad who'd prosper well, and rise, to Last Line: Neglects his stunt, should the old man disappear. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Money; Wages; Work; Workers; Salaries TWO POINTS OF VIEW: 1, by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB Poem Text First Line: Because you've mused on some old masterpiece Last Line: The rest is nothing but exploded cant. Subject(s): Business; Economics; Labor & Laborers; Businessmen; Businesswomen; Work; Workers TWO POINTS OF VIEW: 2, by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB Poem Text First Line: Because we have enjoyed the 'pure serene' Last Line: Ideal truth would reconcile the two. Subject(s): Business; Labor & Laborers; Businessmen; Businesswomen; Work; Workers ULYSSES, by ALFRED TENNYSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: It little profits that, an idle king Last Line: To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. Alternate Author Name(s): Tennyson, Lord Alfred; Tennyson, 1st Baron; Tennyson Of Aldworth And Farringford, Baron Variant Title(s): Ulysses Impatient Of Rest Subject(s): Aging; Explorers; Labor & Laborers; Mythology - Classical; Old Age; Perseverance; Religion; Sea; Ulysses; Wandering & Wanderers; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; Work; Workers; Theology; Ocean; Odysseus; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes UNCLE JAKE AND THE LEVEE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: De lord holps dem dat hopls deyselves Last Line: "he ain't de man what I tuck him fur!" Subject(s): African Americans; Doubt; Labor & Laborers; Religion; Negroes; American Blacks; Skepticism; Work; Workers; Theology UNHAPPY ENDINGS, by CHARLES HARPER WEBB Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In their first fight, collin jones, with his pale skin like mine Last Line: Bottles rain %on the ring: green vases exploding into white bouquets Subject(s): Fights; Social Problems; Social Workers UNREST, by BURGES JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The motorman bangs on his noisy gong Last Line: I know I'm tired of being me! Subject(s): Children; Labor & Laborers; Self; Childhood; Work; Workers UNWANTED, by EDWARD FIELD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The poster with my picture on it Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians; Labor & Laborers; Poetry & Poets; Social Protest; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men; Work; Workers VAGABONDS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are the desperate Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers VALEDICTORY, by ADAM LINDSAY GORDON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lay me low, my work is done Last Line: I am weary, lay me low. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Rest; Work; Workers VALLEY FEVER, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: I was a favorite niece, the only daughter Last Line: Fifth down on the left, my branch grows slowly Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty VISION, by CHRISTIAN ERNST SCHNEIDER Poem Text First Line: The chisel's deft twist and the mallet's tap, tap Last Line: "with ""vision"" that effort inspires." Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Marble; Sculpture & Sculptors; Vision; Work; Workers VISION OF THREE ANGELS VIEWING THE PROGRESS OF SOCIALISM, by THOMAS MCGRATH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: And the first with his hands folded and a money belt for a truss Last Line: So I'll stick around until judgment. Heaven is a sometime thing Subject(s): Angels; Economics; Labor & Laborers; Politics & Government; Socialism; Work; Workers VISTAS OF LABOR: 1. THE STEAMSHIP STOKER, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Sweat-drenched, and blinded by the heat, he reels Last Line: The seeming dead grow light and labor-strong! Subject(s): Eyes; Heaven; Labor & Laborers; Soul; Paradise; Work; Workers VITA BREVIS, by AMELIA WOODWARD TRUESDELL Poem Text First Line: Unless as part of some great thought Last Line: Work just begun. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WAGE-SLAVES TO WAR-MAKERS, by EDWARD RALPH CHEYNEY Poem Text First Line: We have no land for which to fight Last Line: It will be you, it will be you! Alternate Author Name(s): Cheyney, Ralph Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Russian Revolution; Social Protest; War; Work; Workers WAIT A LITTLE LONGER, by CHARLES MACKAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's a good time coming, boys Last Line: Wait a little longer. Variant Title(s): The Good Time Coming Subject(s): Hope; Labor & Laborers; Optimism; Work; Workers WAITING, by JOHN DAVIDSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Within unfriendly walls / we starve - or starve by stealth Last Line: And the word we must obey. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Waiting; Wealth; Work; Workers; Riches; Fortunes WAITING FOR THE RAIN, by JOHN SHAW NEILSON Poem Text First Line: The weather has been warm for a fortnight now or more Last Line: For soon we all will vanish like the rain. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Rain; Sheep; Work; Workers WARNING, by JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Do not touch him - do not wake him! Last Line: Whilst her child is in the cradle -- slumbers pass too soon away. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Sleep; Work; Workers WE ARE ALL WORKMEN, by RAINER MARIA RILKE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are all workmen: prentice, journeyman Last Line: God, you are vast. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WE REAL COOL; THE POOL PLAYERS. SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: We real cool. We / left school. We Last Line: Die soon. Variant Title(s): We Real Cool Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Americans; Death; Labor & Laborers; Men; United States; Youth; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Work; Workers; America WE'RE ALL ALIKE, YOU KNOW, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: My client tells me there's a look Last Line: Right, that makes us all alike? Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WEEK'S END, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How sweet to rest serenely in the gloaming Last Line: Heaps of mon. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Pride; Wages; Working Class - United States; Work; Workers; Self-esteem; Self-respect; Salaries WEST BY NORTH AGAIN, by HENRY (HARRY) HARBORD MORANT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We've drunk our wine, we've kissed our girls, and funds are sinking low Last Line: Or, if she jilts you, may you get a better in her place. Alternate Author Name(s): Breaker, The; Lumpkin, Tony Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Travel; Work; Workers; Journeys; Trips WHAT HAVE I DONE?, by LILLIAN BLANCHE FEARING Poem Text First Line: I lay my finger on time's wrist to score Last Line: Then ask thyself -- what yet is to be done? Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WHAT I WOULDN'T DO, by DORIANNE LAUX Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The only job I didn't like, quit Last Line: And had been waiting all day to hear. Subject(s): Job Hunting; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WHAT SHALL ENDURE?, by JAMES CHRISTIAN LINDBERG Poem Text First Line: The poet squanders time in idle dreams Last Line: The dreamer's song, perchance, outlasts them all. Subject(s): Dreams; Hope; Labor & Laborers; Poetry & Poets; Nightmares; Optimism; Work; Workers WHAT THE CURANDERA KNOWS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: With a candle and a canning jar Last Line: What more is there? Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHAT THE ENGINE SAYS, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What does the mighty engine say Last Line: Butting space backward with his head. Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Railroads; Work; Workers; Railways; Trains WHAT WE WANT, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All hail the dawn of a new day breaking Last Line: We want just dividing of labour and gold. Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Equality; Labor & Laborers; Nations; Work; Workers WHAT WORK IS, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: We stand in the rain in a long line Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WHEN A MAN'S OUT OF A JOB, by SAM WALTER FOSS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All nature is sick from her heels to her hair Last Line: W'en a feller is out of a job. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Unemployment; Work; Workers WHEN LIVING WAS A LABOR CAMP CALLED MONTGOMERY, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Back in the forties, you joined the family each summer to sort Last Line: The camp and no one would know your smell Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHEN SOUNDS RING TRUE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Long ago, a woman struck a gong with a hammer made Last Line: Matching jaws thrust forward to crowd the sky Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHEN YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO SEE TO BELIEVE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The monster lived on the road to merced Last Line: To cover my gasps. His breath filled my room Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHEREVER WE STOPPED, WE SET UP A CARPA -- A TENT, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The tiny holes of the canvas Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families WHO ARE THE HEROES!, by JAMES NICHOLSON Poem Text First Line: Who are the heroes? - the men who labour Last Line: God save the labourer! Still be our prayer. Subject(s): Heroism; Labor & Laborers; Heroes; Heroines; Work; Workers WHO IS YOUR BOSS?, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I work for someone else,' he said Last Line: They are the ones who really lose. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WHY TOMAS CAM WAS GRUMPY, by JAMES STEPHENS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If I were rich what would I do? Last Line: ...Where's my spade! I've work to do! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Wealth; Wisdom; Work; Workers; Riches; Fortunes WIDOWHOOD, by MARY ELIZABETH B. CROUSE Poem Text First Line: Now is she crowned with perfectness at last Last Line: She labors, knowing that heaven hath her life. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Life; Widows & Widowers; Work; Workers WITH KIT, AGE 7, AT THE BEACH, by WILLIAM EDGAR STAFFORD Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: We would climb the highest dune Subject(s): Fathers; Labor & Laborers; Men; Prayer; Swimming & Swimmers; Work; Workers; Swimmers WITH ROD AND REEL, by RAY CLARKE ROSE Poem Text First Line: With rod and reel the toiler plays Last Line: With rod and reel. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WOLBROOK JUNCTION HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY TEACHER WATCHES HIS WIFE ..., by BELLE WARING Poem Source First Line: And suddenly, leaning into the edible ear Last Line: I fell for her %and sank down, fathomless Subject(s): Marriage; Social Workers WOMAN WORK, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've got the children to tend Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Women; Work; Workers WOODEN WHEELS, by LOWELL C. BALLARD Poem Text First Line: A fleet of schooners slowly respond Last Line: Of wooden wheels. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK, by LOUIS JAMES BLOCK Poem Text First Line: Ah, blessedness of work! The aimless mind Last Line: The limitless sun of truth shines more and more. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What are we set on earth for? Say, to toil Last Line: And share its dew-drop with another near. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down and up, and up and down Last Line: And the grace of god through all. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK, by KENYON COX Poem Text First Line: Work thou for pleasure Last Line: Be added unto thee. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK, by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Like coral insects multitudinous Last Line: Who wrought those marvellous isles that bloom afar. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Life; Work; Workers WORK, by EMMA LAZARUS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Yet life is not a vision nor a prayer Last Line: And naught may daunt her, -- she hath strength for all. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK, by VIRGINIA WOODS MACKALL Poem Text First Line: I work and work, but I can't see Last Line: I'd rather let the whole thing go. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK, by EDITH BLAND NESBIT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When I am busying about Last Line: And never make the same thing twice! Alternate Author Name(s): Nesbit, E.; Bland, Mrs. Hubert Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK, by ALEKSANDR SERGEYEVICH PUSHKIN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here is the long-bided hour: the labor of years is accomplished Last Line: Friend of the golden-haired dawn, friend of the gods of the hearth? Alternate Author Name(s): Pushkin, Alexander; Poushkin, Aleksander Sergyevich Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Wages; Work; Workers; Salaries WORK, by J. W. THOMPSON Poem Text First Line: How true it is when I am sad Last Line: So that's why god invented work. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK AND CONTEMPLATION, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The woman singeth at her spinning-wheel Last Line: The better for the sweetness of our song. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Christianity; Work; Workers WORK AND REST, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To work is good, to saw your wood, while Last Line: The shows and things like those, and leave your tasks for daytime. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Rest; Work; Workers WORK GANGS, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Box cars run a mile long Subject(s): Americans; Justice; Labor & Laborers; United States; Work; Workers; America WORK GLOVES; FOR BILL AND JON ORR, by GREGORY ORR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All morning with gloved Last Line: And breathe deeply. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK SONG, by WENDELL BERRY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: By the fall of years I learn Last Line: And sweat the fields have seasoning Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORK THROUGH IT ALL, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hope, tho' misfortune o'ertake you Last Line: Your hands busy working withal. Subject(s): Courage; Labor & Laborers; Sacrifices; Valor; Bravery; Work; Workers WORK TO DO, by ANNETTE WYNNE Poem Text First Line: What busy times the world sees now Last Line: Your wayyou sing! Subject(s): April; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Plantation Life; Spring; Work; Workers WORK WITHOUT HOPE, by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All nature seems at work, slugs leave their lair Last Line: And hope without an object cannot live. Variant Title(s): In Springtime;a Dream Of Spring Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Spring; Work; Workers WORK [A SONG OF TRIUMPH], by ANGELA MORGAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Work! / thank god for the might of it Last Line: Thank god for the splendor of work! Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORKERS, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It's good to work, with might and main, until Last Line: Friends. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Money; Wages; Work; Workers; Salaries WORKERS' OFFSPRING, by VINCENT FERRINI Poem Text First Line: Out of iron earth our tenement lives Last Line: In false nation, born unalive. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Nations; Soul; Work; Workers WORKING GIRLS, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The working girls in the morning are going to work Last Line: Streets. Subject(s): Child Labor; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers WORKMEN, by FLORA SHUFELT RIVOLA Poem Text First Line: A carpenter lived quietly and died Last Line: christian century Subject(s): Carpenters; Crucifixion; Jesus Christ; Labor & Laborers; Jesus Christ - Crucifixion; Work; Workers WORKWORN, by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Across the street, an humble woman lives Last Line: My tasks, my heart, had much the lighter grown. Alternate Author Name(s): Tekahionwake Subject(s): Happiness; Hope; Labor & Laborers; Life; Joy; Delight; Optimism; Work; Workers WRESTLING ANGELS, by DAVID BOTTOMS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With crowbars and drag chains Last Line: Leaning over graves like old men lamenting their age. Subject(s): Iron & Steel Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers YOU CAN HAVE IT, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My brother comes home from work Subject(s): Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers YOU ON THE TOWER, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You on the tower of my factory Last Line: "he brushed you by as he flew." Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers YOU WERE BORN ON THE ROAD, LIKE YOUR FATHER, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The land like tropical birds Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Mexican American Families YOUTH, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Strange bird Last Line: Than he is, or I am Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): Fathers; Industry; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers |
|