Old Joe Gasser

Said Old Joe Gasser, as he spat behind the
stove upon the mat, and freshened with another
chew: "I'll tell you what I m bound to do. From
this day on I'll live as if I floated in an oarless skiff,
nor turn my hand to get an oar, no matter if I go
a shore. I've blistered all my fingers now, and
wrinkles deep are in my brow because of trials that
I've met a tryin' to some wealth beget. If I plant
corn, the winds so hot will come a sizzling to the
spot, or else the rains pour down each day and
floods wash everything away. I bought an incuba-
tor once that proved I was a silly dunce. The
lamps went out for lack of oil, and caused them
settin' eggs to spoil; and when I tried the second
batch, it cooked 'em so they wouldn't hatch. No
more for me." Then down he sat, and spat, and
spat and spat and spat.

^__Ed Blair.