Flann O' Brien

FinsburyParkCarrotsFinsburyParkCarrots Seattle, WA Posts: 12,223
edited April 2006 in Poetry, Prose, Music & Art
He died forty years ago today.

He did write a poem, which features in his masterpiece of a debut novel, "At Swim-Two-Birds." This is it.

"The Workmans Friend"

When things go wrong and will not come right,
Though you do the best you can,
When life looks black as the hour of night -
A pint of plain is your only man.

When money's tight and hard to get
And your horse has also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt -
A pint of plain is your only man.

When health is bad and your heart feels strange,
And your face is pale and wan,
When doctors say you need a change,
A pint of plain is your only man.

When food is scarce and your larder bare
And no rashers grease your pan,
When hunger grows as your meals are rare -
A pint of plain is your only man.

In time of trouble and lousey strife,
You have still got a darlint plan
You still can turn to a brighter life -
A pint of plain is your only man.


Here's some more examples of his genius:

http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~bj333/HomePage.flann.html#Three%20Beginnings
http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~bj333/HomePage.flann.html#Story%20of%20an%20octopus
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • justamjustam Posts: 21,410
    This simple style appeals to me! :)
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