Old Timer's Ethic: A Short Poem
I got no change in my pocket.
I'm hardly makin' my wage.
Barack is the president,
and people are fightin' for change.
But no, I won't take no welfare,
I wouldn't take a dollar or a dime.
I'll walk a hundred miles
with these two good legs of mine.
Just for a job,
twenty bucks on the day.
I'll work twice as hard as any man
for only half the pay.
No, I won't take your food card.
I wouldn't take my brothers bread.
I'll walk a hundred miles
just to feed you, friend.
I'll skip half my meals
and take a cut in pay.
I'll pick and plow
and rake the leaves
just to survive this age.
But no, I won't take your welfare
If you need it that's fine,
but how could I,
with these two good legs of mine?
So let me feed you friend,
with my blood and sweat and tears.
I've fed my family off this back
for eighty-seven years.
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© 2012 Leone Vidoni
Comments
AUTHORThanks so much lily!
very nicely done.... ! lily
- AUTHOR
Hey thanks a lot Justin.
love the rhythm in this piece, Brian.
Yes, much family history, - vicenarian. . . . (I've a vivid imagination. :-)
- AUTHOR
Thanks so much Nellie, that's a great compliment. I don't know about wise, but I sure have some strong opinions. 1890's wow, I bet there's some great family history there! Also, I had never heard the term octogenarian, you've just expanded this vicenarians vocabulary.
This is magnificent poetry and it literally gave me shimmers up my spine, it speaks so vividly of both the state of affairs and one valiant person's strong character. Well done. You really win my admiration, Brian. You are wise beyond your years.
By the way - I'm an old-timer - octogenarian too and grew up with parents from the 1890s who lived those principles.
Awesome job bro! Really good use of images. Be careful of cliches and you repeat "brothers" twice but I would keep "brother's bread" because of the alliteration. Also I would incorporate more modern references of references of the mans past. But I love it it's awesome!
- AUTHOR
Hey there Jinny! It reminds me of my grandpa too & my dad for that matter. They both worked two full time jobs as firefighters and builders. Glad I could help you glimpse into those memories of yours.
- AUTHOR
I agree Sue. Thanks for the Up!
Love this poem. We could use some of that "Old Timer's Ethic" today.
Voted up and away!
I really love this poem... It reminds me of my grandfather's own ways. It's like I could hear him talking through these lines. Thanks for bringing back those beloved memories and a great lesson that everyone should follow and live by.
- AUTHOR
Thank You Create Squidoo!
Thanks Sky, but I'm only 25. I'm not the 87 yr. old narrator in this poem. Appreciate the read!
Well done Lvidoni. A great read and I great st at 87. well done and welcome .
Yes it is by the sweat of thy brow thou shall eat bread. I am reading over Genesis and it;'s a fascinating chapter in the Bible.
bless my brethren.
The image is the article is very artistic.
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot echoe. Nothing wrong with working hard for the family, more should hold onto those archaic ways. Appreciate the comment.
Loved it, the pride aspect of this poem was overwhelming. Maybe because I was raised in the same way and hold to most of these principles. It may be stupid of me to hold to archaic ways, but I do. Wonderful poem!
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