Poems (Odom)/Remembrance
For works with similar titles, see Remembrance.
NOT ONE TO SPARE.
Oh, yes, I know I am poor, ma'am, And work very hard by the day;And then I have so many children, 'T is all very true, as you say.Then clothing and food for so many Mount up in a month—that is so;But then—I dare say, I am foolish— I could not let one of them go.
There 's Jimmie—that lad in the corner,— He 's just turning into fourteen;And quick with his figures he is, ma'am, The smartest boy ever you seen.And Jimmie is doing right well now, For one of his size, so to speak,He 's running of errands at Johnson's, And brings me three dollars a week.
That 's Jessie—she 's my little woman,— And when I go out by the day She looks to the house and the children, And 'tends 'em while I am away.That boy with the holes in his elbows, And eyes that are sparkling so?Give him! I could n't indeed, ma'am, I never could spare little Joe.
He takes brother Jimmie his dinner, And brings sister Jessie her wood;Then sometimes he kindles the fire, And washes the dishes right good.That little girl holding the kitten, With soft yellow curls and blue eyes?Can't work? Indeed, you don't know, ma'am, How much she can do when she tries.
She runs in and out for the others, And plays with the baby all day;You see she 's a great help to Jessie, Whenever I 'm out of the way.The baby? Give you little Johnny; Oh, that 's the hardest thing yet;Not all of your riches and diamonds Could pay me for my little pet.
Then baby is called for his father— John died just a twelvemonth ago,—And may be his name is the reason We always have petted him so.You see we are all used to working, And living on commonest fare;Then one will divide with the other; And so I have not one to spare.