Tag: Jack London

  • John Barleycorn

    From The Seattle Star, May 8, 1913.
     (Acknowledgements to Jack London)
     
    
     He’s just around the corner
         He’s just across the street
     His voice is warm and comradely
         His words are soft and sweet.
     He poses as ADVENTURE
         All debonair and brave
     Though all the deeds of Barleycorn
         Lead only to the grave.
     
     He comes to you with laughter
         He comes to you with song
     With soothing lies to trick the weak
         And glamour for the strong.
     Along the road that you must tread
         Wherever you may fare
     At every turn or resting place
         John Barleycorn is there!
     
     He masquerades as valor
         He swaggers as romance
     And down the road of broken hopes
         He leads the merry dance.
     His eyes are red and gloating
         There’s poison on his breath
     For call him any name you will
         John Barleycorn is death.