Poetry Archives

Oh I am neither rich nor poor,
     No worker I dispoil;
Yet I am glad to be secure
     From servitude and toil.
For with my lifelong savings I
     Have bought annuity;
And so unto the day I die
     I’ll have my toast and tea.
     
When on the hob the kettle sings
     I’ll make an amber brew,
And crunch my toast and think of things
     I do not have to do.
In dressing-gown and deep arm-chair
     I’ll give the fire a poke;
Then worlds away from cark and care
     I’ll smoke and smoke and smoke.

For I believe the very best
     Of Being is the last;
And I will crown with silver zest
     My patience in the past.
Since compensation is the law
     Of life it’s up to me
To round the century and draw
     My Life Annuity.