It's mighty quiet in the house <br /> Since Mary Ellen quit me cold; <br />I've swept the hearth and fed the mouse <br /> That's getting fat and overbold. <br />I've bought a pig's foot for the pot <br /> And soon I'll set the fire alight; <br />Then I may eat or I may not, <br /> Depends upon my appetite. <br /> <br />Since Mary Ellen left me lone <br /> I haven't earned a bloody bob. <br />I sit and sigh, and mope and moan, <br /> And bellyache I quit my job. <br />My money's mostly gone,--I think <br /> I ought to save it up for food . . . <br />But no, I'll blow it in for drink, <br /> Then do a bunk for good. <br /> <br />I watch my mouse his whiskers preen; <br /> He watches me with wicked glee. <br />Today--oh God! It's years sixteen <br /> Since Mary Ellen wed with me. <br />Oh how the dear girl hated vermin! <br /> She left rat poison on the shelf . . . <br />Friend Mouse, your doom I new determine <br /> Then--how about myself?<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mary-ellen/
