Category: Work

You came in late this morning:
Was that gin upon your breath?
You breathed at Nancy Lou, and
Nearly scared the girl to death.

You’ve done no work to speak of:
You’ve but dawdled with your pen,
And punched holes in your blotter,
And refused to see some men.

All play, no work, remember,
Make a Jack that we detest;
But a boss who plays at nothing
Runs our Jack a second-best.

I found your desk in chaos–
Keep your feet, please, off the top–
Those trays were made for ashes:
This untidiness must stop!

You were gone too long at luncheon:
You’re allowed an hour, no more.
That tie you’re wearing’s lousy–
But we’ve been through this before.

Now, unless you show improvement,
Sir, our gain will be your loss:
Though HELP is scarce as hen’s teeth,
I can always HIRE a BOSS!!

by Ray Romine Saturday, August 7, 1943

Their question, dashing all my hopes,
Is just the same, doggone ’em.
“Experienced?” Do I know the ropes?
I ought to, Sirs, I’m on ’em.

by Ray Romine Monday, February 19, 1951

These same old rounds the same old way
Sometimes get very tiring;
And yet a milkman, if he looks,
Can find some things inspiring.

There’s Mrs. A, who’s always proud
Of her small brood of seven;
And next door, Mrs. B declares
Her garden is her heaven.

There’s the way the newly-weds on Elm
Light up each time they smile;
And the crippled kid on down the block
With the never-say-die style.

And don’t forget the Beauty Queen
I knew when she was two;
And Dad. who watched the burg grow up,
Who’ll reminisce with you.

So, when the old route palls a bit,
I tell me: Allez oop!
You’re a vital part of each when you
Place milk upon his stoop.

by Ray Romine Tuesday, September 19, 1950