Poem: The Two Bums

The Two Bums

The bum on the road is an enemy of mankind
The other is driven around to his club, is feted, wined and dined
And they who curse the bum on the road as the essence of all that's bad
Will greet the other with a winning smile and extend the hand so glad

The bum on the road is a social flea who gets an occasional bite
The bum on the plush is a social leech, bloodsucking day and night
The bum on the road is a load so light that his weight we scarcely feel
But it takes the labour of dozens of folks to furnish the other a meal

As long as we sanction the bum on the plush, the other will always be there
But rid ourselves of the bum on the plush and the other will disappear
Let's make an intelligent organised kick; get rid of the weights that crush
Don't worry about the bum on the road, get rid of the bum on the plush!

Utah Phillips

From GLW issue 314