Simple Pleasures of the Poor

A Cruel Joke 

Nothing cheers up folks as Old Ichabod
Who has no fixed abode.
He doesn’t live here or there
But everywhere folks watch out
For a sight of Old Ichabod.

We have care and tear of living
On the edge without satisfaction;
Make us laugh, no matter what.
Sight of you is an unction.

Nothing cheers up folks as Old Ichabod
Who is set in ways very odd;
He is gaunt and in much want.
So much was plain, and death came
Without notice to Old Ichabod.

Old folks and infants passing
The pauper’s last resting place
Took that as a cruel joke:
‘There was none to take his place.’
benny

12-25-06