The Contrast

Robert William Service

Fat lady, in your four-wheeled chair,
          Dolled up to beat the band,
At me you arrogantly stare
          With gold lorgnette in hand.
Oh how you differ from the dame
          So shabby, gaunt and grey,
With legs rheumatically lame,
          Who steers you on your way.

Nay, jewelled lady, look not back
          Lest you should be disturbed
To see the skinny hag in black
          Who boosts you up the curb.
Of course I know you get her cheap,
          Since she’s a lady too,
And bite to eat and bed to sleep
          Maybe are all her due.

Alas for those who give us aid
          Yet need more help than we!
And though she thinks the wages paid
          Are almost charity,
I’d love to see that lady fat
          Lug round that hefty chair,
While with lorgnette and feathered hat
          Her handmaid lounges there.

Index + Blog :

Poetry Archive Index | Blog : Poem of the Day