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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Number 97: Flann O'Brien/Myles na gCopaleen/Brian O'Nolan "The Workman's Friend"



The Workmans Friend

When things go wrong and will not come right,
Though you do the best you can,
When life looks black as the hour of night -
A pint of plain is your only man.

When money's tight and hard to get
And your horse has also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt -
A pint of plain is your only man.

When health is bad and your heart feels strange,
And your face is pale and wan,
When doctors say you need a change,
A pint of plain is your only man.

When food is scarce and your larder bare
And no rashers grease your pan,
When hunger grows as your meals are rare -
A pint of plain is your only man.

In time of trouble and lousey strife,
You have still got a darlint plan
You still can turn to a brighter life -
A pint of plain is your only man.

--Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan)

Hap Notes:
Flann O'Brien/Myles na gCopaleen/Brian O'Nolan ,( 1911 - 1966) was an Irish novelist, poet and humorist. Thought this poem, which is regularly quoted, would be a good one for St. Patrick's Day. O'Nolan wrote under a variety of pseudonyms and his novels are extraordinary. Much of his work was published in the fleeting worlds of magazines and newspapers so it takes some digging to find.




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