Saw Your Wood

Suppose your neighbor feels his oats,

     And wears a stovepipe hat,

And thinks he’s way beyond your class,

     What do you care for that?

Suppose he rides the while you walk,

     And thinks he’s twice as good

As you; just let him have his think –

     Say nothing, saw your wood.

Suppose your boss finds fault when you

     Have done your level best;

Suppose he tries to call you down

     In front of all the rest.

Don’t let it jar you in the least,

     But saw your stick right through;

Things might reverse some future day,

     And he might work for you.

Suppose you have a goodly pile

     Of cordwood in your yard;

Suppose the sticks are large around,

     And seasoned pretty hard.

Suppose your neighbor haps along

     In direful talking mood,

And wants to hinder you awhile?

     Say nothing, saw your wood.

July 14, ‘05