Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/106

I know he often wants for food,
    His tradesmen are unpaid,
His life's accurst with one large thirst
    That never is allayed.
Yet, ne'er by hint or sign does he
Suggest that it is "up to me."

Is he too proud? Well, truly, no;
    To beg he's not ashamed.
Yet, his neglect in that respect
    Is scarcely to be blamed.
In fact he knows full well, you see,
That I am just as poor as he.