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The Canary On the Wharf
There once was a canary who hung out at the wharf
It was his fort of sort
Where there were boats
A float
Tied up at the dock
Waiting for laborers on the clock
But this canary on the wharf
Always wondered his worth
Taking a day
To visit Lord Barclay
Pondering what he would say
“Mr. Canary what is your worth
Down there at the wharf?”
Lord Barclay inquired
Standing there like a squire
Holding cash since he was a buyer”
“Go to the water and stand on the stone
And tweet me from your cell phone”
Off the canary went on his mission
Seeing if Lord Barclay was serious, ready to listen
Finding the right perch
To watch the action on the surf
The Canary on the Warf
Started to show what he was worth
Early in the AM as the economic ships
Sailed into the slips
To unload cargo filling the executive money clips
Truth be told what the canary saw
Was important enough to tweet Lord Barclay with a call
Then he picked up and flew
Back to Lord Barclay and the payment he was due
When he arrived
Very close to five
Lord Barclay came out to say
“Mr. Canary we must discuss your pay
You were a reporter
On the water
Situated on a stone
All alone
I do believe
In what you see
So here is one Canadian Square pence
I think that makes sense”
“One Canadian Square pence,”
The Canary did bellow
Changing all shades of yellow
“What about two?
Or are you just a cheap fool?”
“Mr. Canary from the Wharf
That is all your worth,”
Lord Barclay let out the command
Taking a financial statement stand
“Go down to the coal mines and if you do not return
I will write a check to your next of kin for the urn,”
Looking the deep pockets straight in the eye
Feeling like a test subject being sent off to die
“And what if I come back in black soot
Tooting my flute
Wearing business attire that is a beaut,”
Lord Barclay sighed
Then explained why
“You would be worth more than a dime
To those working in the mine
Being grateful cashing a check
Quarrymen feeling safe and getting respect
The canary returned to the wharf
To reflect on what he was worth
He went to the indoor shopping mall
Found a pub that was small
Standing tall
Told them he could sing
And they hired him to do the entertainment thing
During happy hour
When the pinstripe suits are done showing power
Everyone listens to the canary from the wharf
Knowing how much he is worth
Copyright ©
Marc O'Brien
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