Safety-Clutch

Once I seen a human ruinIn a elevator-well.And his members was bestrewin'All the place where he had fell.

And I says, apostrophisin'5That uncommon woful wreck:"Your position's so surprisin'That I tremble for your neck!"

Then that ruin, smilin' sadlyAnd impressive, up and spoke:10"Well, I wouldn't tremble badly,For it's been a fortnight broke."

Then, for further comprehensionOf his attitude, he begsI will focus my attention15On his various arms and legs--

How they all are contumacious;Where they each, respective, lie;How one trotter proves ungracious,T' other one an alibi.20

These particulars is mentionedFor to show his dismal state,Which I wasn't first intentionedTo specifical relate.

None is worser to be dreaded25That I ever have heard tellThan the gent's who there was spreadedIn that elevator-well.

Now this tale is allegoric--It is figurative all,30For the well is metaphoricAnd the feller didn't fall.

I opine it isn't moralFor a writer-man to cheat,And despise to wear a laurel35As was gotten by deceit.

For 'tis Politics intendedBy the elevator, mind,It will boost a person splendidIf his talent is the kind.40

Col. Bryan had the talent(For the busted man is him)And it shot him up right gallantTill his head began to swim.

Then the rope it broke above him45And he painful came to earthWhere there's nobody to love himFor his detrimented worth.

Though he's living' none would know him,Or at leastwise not as such.50Moral of this woful poem:Frequent oil your safety-clutch.