Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.

The Shoe Factory

Ruth Harwood

THEY told me

When I came

That this would be drudgery,

Always the same

Thing over and over

Day after day—

The same swift movement

In the same small way.

Pick up,

Place,

Push,

And it’s tied.

Take off,

Cut,

And put

It aside.

Over and over

In rhythmical beat—

Some say it is drudgery

But to me it is sweet.

Pick up,

Place,

Push,

And it’s tied.

Out-doors

The sky

Is so blue

And so wide!

It’s a joyous song

Going steadily on,

Marching in measures

Till the day is gone.

Pick up,

Place,

Push,

And it’s tied.

Soon end

Of day

Will bring him

To my side.

Oh, I love the measures

Singing so fast,

Speeding happy hours

Till he comes at last!