Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Nov. 5, 1850 - Oct. 30, 1919

 

Death Of Labour

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Methought a great wind swept across the earth,
And all the toilers perished. Then I saw
Pale terror blanch the rosy face of mirth,
And careless eyes grow full of fear and awe.
The sounds of pleasure ceased; the laughing song
On folly's lip changed to an angry curse:
A nameless horror seized the idle throng,
And death and ruin filled the universe.

Source:

Poems of Pleasure
Copyright 1900
Gay And Bird, 22 Bedford Street, Strand, London