I am waiting in the breadline singing patriotic songs
For, in my way, I’m as happy as can be
Still I know my dear master would rectify my wrongs,
But its hard to bear his generous sympathy
I shake hands with my starvation in a merry kind of way,
And I’m tickled when my stomach does a roll;
I list with rapt attention when the parson has his say,
For he’s deeply interested in my soul.
I’m happiest when hunger grips with severe intensity,
For I know that heavens only for the poor,
Its sublime to see my loved ones writhe in painful agony;
With starvation’s spectre knocking at the door
My kind and generous landlord, he treats me like his own
And teaches me the wisdom of content
That with supreme satisfaction I my view my cheerless home
And with joy unbounded always pay the rent.
I laugh at haunting terrors, and seek solace in prayer;
I’m as merry as a victim on the rack.
A comfortable living’s a delusion and a snare;
I’m so happy and so glad I’ve got the sack
Pete, Direct Action, January 20th 1917
