The Buyers

 Father drank himself to death,--
 Quite enjoyed it.
Urged to draw a sober breath
 He'd avoid it.
'Save your sympathy,' said Dad;
 'Never sought it.
Hob-nail liver, gay and glad,
 Sure,--I bought it.'

Uncle made a heap of dough,
 Ponies playing.
'Easy come and easy go,'
 Was his saying.
Though he died in poverty
 Fit he thought it,
Grinning with philosophy:
 'Guess I bought it.'

Auntie took the way of sin,
 Seeking pleasure;
Lovers came, her heart to win,
 Bringing treasure.
Sickness smote,--with lips that bled
 Brave she fought it;
Smiling on her dying bed:
 'Dears, I bought it.'

My decades of life are run,
 Eight precisely;
Yet I've lost a lot of fun
 Living wisely.
Too much piety don't pay,
 Time has taught it;
Hadn't guts to go astray;
Life's a bloody bore today,--
 Well, I've bought it.

Form: Light Verse Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace