Berton Braley

[Kat Kanning]

Just Anti-Social

We've loaded him with a lot of taxes
  And rules and codes--but there's something funny;
In spite of the way his burden waxes
  The son-of-a-gun is making money!

Whenever he's given a boost to trade
  We've taken an extra tribute off it,
But still the villain is undismayed,
  The son-of-a-gun has shown a Profit!

We grind out daily a brand new grist
  Of regulations by Profs. and scholars,
But the Rugged Individualist
  Is still producing some surplus dollars!

We've frowned on person, private gains,
  As most immoral, and due for censure,
But the son-of-a-gun  with Business Brains
  Continues risking some new adventure!

In spite of planners and New Deal sages
  With Communistical dreams and yearnings,
This Capitalistic guys pays wages,
  And SOME of his stocks and bonds show earnings!

We've moved the bases, and changed the lines,
  And altered the rules for every inning,
With added penalties, doubled fines,
  But the son-of-a-gun insists on winning!

It's anti-social to fail to fail,
  It makes our wonderful schemes look funny;
Rush the Traitor at once to jail,
  For the son-of-a-gun is making money!


The Joy of Life

I'd rather risk gamely
  And lose for my trying
Than grind around tamely
  --A cog in the mill.
I'd rather fail greatly
  With courage undying
Than plod along sedately
  With never a thrill!

The game's in the playing
  And, losing or winning,
The fun's in essaying
  Your bravest and best,
In taking your chances
  While Fate's wheel is spinning,
And backing your fancies
  With nerve and with zest!

Let stodgy folk censure
  And timid folk quaver,
But life sans adventure
  Is weary to bear,
The dangers we're sharing
  Give living its savour
I'd rather die daring
  Than never to dare!

   --Berton Braley(1882-1966)

[cropperb]

 

I love Burton Braley. Why didn't my fourth grade teacher give me these poems to read instead of e e cummings?