The Refuge

From The Tacoma Times, October 14, 1913. By Berton Braley.

Thank the Lord I have my work!—
    In the mighty world of toil
I can share the weight and irk
    Of the labor and the moil;
I’m a worker, not a drone;
Sweat and weariness I’ve known,
Through the goodly years I’ve been
Toiling with my fellow men,
Peddler, poet, boss and clerk—
Thank the Lord I have my work!

Thank the Lord I have my work
    Ever near to serve my turn,
Refuge from the cares that lurk
    And the woes that sear and burn;
Fate may wear her grimmest mask,
Love be lost—I have my task;
Life is hard?—I’ll see it through;
There is work for me to do;
Toil shall light the dreary murk;
Thank the Lord I have my work!