Just Antisocial

An illustrated poem from the past

Friend and fellow author D. Jason Fleming suggested this poem to me, and that I explore the work of Berton Braley as I very much enjoy Kipling and Service. I think you may also enjoy Braley’s wordcraft!

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 personal, 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 guy 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!

—Berton Braley