Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/27



Behold, I built a fowlhouse in my yard! Two months ago the great work was begun, And every eventide I laboured hard, What time my daily office grind was done. 'Tis to my industry a monument. The fowls, my wife, and I are well content.

Indeed, I built a fowlhouse. God forbid— Although I made it, floor and roof and wall— That I should boast about this thing I did. I mention it most modestly withal. Just these two hands, this brain were all I had. I built it on my own, and I am glad.

And, as I toiled at eve, my wife would come, The candle, nails and divers tools to hold; And when I swore because I hit my thumb She did not hang the contract up to scold, Nor move a vote of censure, and maintain The thing should be pulled down and built again.