Borne in the car along a crowded way, <br />Sun-soaked, I saw the world like shadows glide, <br />Or phantom boats, upon a running tide, <br />Driven through flying fog at break of day. <br />“The chain gang? Yes,” I heard a woman say, <br />“Here in this very street.” I glanced aside <br />And saw the fetters that she flashed in pride, <br />And turned again to watch the world's array. <br />Clearly I saw men scurrying on the hour, <br />Young girls who weary all day on dainty feet, <br />Dandies whose socks betoken infinite pains, <br />The life that springs and withers like a flower: <br />I heard the gangs go clanking down the street, <br />Intolerably patient of their chains.<br /><br />John Le Gay Brereton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-chain-gang/
