The Contrast

The Contrast by Robert William Service

 Fat lady, in your four-wheeled chair,
 Dolled up to beat the band,
At me you arrogantly stare
 With gold lorgnette in hand.
Oh how you differ from the dame
 So shabby, gaunt and grey,
With legs rheumatically lame,
 Who steers you on your way.

Nay, jewelled lady, look not back
 Lest you should be disturbed
To see the skinny hag in black
 Who boosts you up the curb.
Of course I know you get her cheap,
 Since she's a lady too,
And bite to eat and bed to sleep
 Maybe are all her due.

Alas for those who give us aid
 Yet need more help than we!
And though she thinks the wages paid
 Are almost charity,
I'd love to see that lady fat
 Lug round that hefty chair,
While with lorgnette and feathered hat
 Her handmaid lounges there.

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