Poems (Howard)/Who Cares
Who Cares?
Don't pour in everybody's ear The story of your hapless lot!How heavy taxes were last year, Or that the farm you lately bought Is proving an investment dear, And not the bargain that you thought.
Don't try to make the world believe That you're a poor unfortunate! That favors which you should receive Come not at all—or come too late; The world will never stop to grieve A moment o'er your luckless fate.
Don't button-hole upon the street A friend or neighbor, unawares, And with a rueful face repeat That doleful tale about the tares Appearing in your choicest wheat— Why should you think your neighbor cares?
Don't hail a person, as he goes With hurried air and ringing tread, To tell him of your private woes! In half an hour should you be dead, How long the fact, do you suppose, Would interest his busy head?
Don't let the world know all about Your petty, pitiful affairs! For some will smile, and others doubt; A few, perhaps, will in their prayers Remember you—the few devout— But, after all, nobody cares.