| In history and poetry, in music and in art
The horse has been a favored beast and played a leading part, And while I don't begrudge him the fame that he has won, There's been too little said about his sister's long eared son. We praise the foaming charger and weave him in a song, But how about the humble beast that hauls the grub along? He snakes the heavy cannon o'er muddy field and road And is never known to whimper or complain about his load. In times of peace as well as war the mule is not a shirk. When Dobbin takes a balky spell, it's Jasper does the work. In many ways he proves himself much wiser than the steed He never takes an overdose of water or of feed; And should he chance to run away when by ambition fired, He always makes his dash with care and stops be- fore he's tired. I know there is a prejudice against this humble beast But those who hold him with disdain are they that know him least. Investigate his record with a calm, unbiased mind And you will find, as I have found, that he has been maligned. For even men who hold him up to scorn and ridicule Might learn a wholesome lesson from the humble, patient mule. __Albert Stroud. |
Verdigris Valley Verse
Albert Stroud
(Coffeyville, Kansas: The Journal Press. 1917)
Page 102
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