LIFE’S WAGES

I bargained with Life for a penny
And Life would pay no more
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store

For Life is a just employer
He gives you what you ask
But once you have set the wages
Why, you must bear the task

I worked for a menial’s hire
Only to learn, dismayed
That any wage I had asked of Life
Life would have willingly pain

[Anonymous]