bags & tools
I filled my bags with lumps of lead
and staggered underneath the load,
and soon when I was nearly dead
I met a beggar on the road.
He drew me near and shut one eye:
"Give me your lead, I'll give you gold."
I dreamed of all the things I'd buy
and left him there with what I'd sold.
My bags were lighter than before
but still my tired back was bent;
I found an iron-monger's store
and soon that shiny gold was spent.
And now at last I can begin
with iron tools of every kind;
I'll dig a hole and throw them in
and leave those bags and tools behind.
© Michael Fleming
Granada, Spain
October, 1984
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