Robert William Service - Convicts Love Canaries
Dick's dead! It was the Polack guard <br />Put powdered glass into his cage <br />When I was tramping round the yard,-- <br />I could have killed him in my rage. <br />I slugged him with that wrench I stole: <br />That's why I'm rotting in the Hole. <br /> <br />Dick's dead! Sure I wish I was too. <br />His honey breast, his lacy claws <br />I kissed and cried, for well I knew <br />They murdered him. I cursed because <br />He was my only chum on earth . . . <br />Oh how he cheered me with his mirth! <br /> <br />Dick's dead! I know he cared for me. <br />Being I'm Irish I love song, <br />And there was heaven in his glee; <br />I'd bless his heart the dour day long. <br />I'd let him flutter round the cell; <br />He'd light upon my hand . . . Oh hell! <br /> <br />Dick's dead! They've thrown me in the Hole. <br />To break our spirits how they try! <br />My bed a plank, blind as a mole, <br />Sure I'll be nuts before I die . . . <br />Here in the night, dark as the Pit <br />I'm seeing sunny wings aflit. <br />Here in the silence, hark his song! <br />--Poor Dick! Oh Christ, how long, how long!<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem..../convicts-love-canar
