The Democratic Press

LITTLE ELBOW ROOM

Good friend don't squeeze so very tight
There's room enough for two:
Keep in your mind that I've a right
To live as well as you!

You're rich and I'm poor and weak:
But think, though I crouch
When only this poor boon I ask -
A Little elbow room!

'Tis such as you (the rich and strong,)
If you but had the will,)
'Could give the weak a little along,
And help them up the hill:

But no: you jostle, crowd and drive:
You storm, and fret, and fume)
You are the only Man alive
In want of elbow room.

But though it is on Life's broad highway:
"Bear" seems the rule of all;
The strong will crush the weak to death,
The big devour the small:

Far better be a rich man's hound,
(A valet, serf, or groom,)
Than struggle 'mid the mass around,
When we've no elbow room.

Up heart, my boy! Don't mind the shock:
Up heart, and push along:
Your skin will soon grow rough with knocks
Your limbs with labor strong:

And there's a little place beyond,
A star to light the gloom!
Live heart, ply way! Fear not—be brave—
strike out for elbow room.

And when you see, amid the throng,
A fellow toiler slip.
Just give him, as you push along,
A brave and kindly grip

In noble deeds, though poor you be,
Your want may buy it time;
And with true Christian charity,
Give others elbow room.