A Hardship.

I never saw a loaf of bread
    Conspicuous in its purity,
But that I sadly shook my head
    And left five-cents as surety.

Edwin C. Ranck

Edwin C. Ranck was an American lyricist noted for his work in the early 20th century. He was a prolific writer and his lyrics were often characterized by their humor and wit. One of his standout works is the poem 'The Optimist', which reflects his positive outlook on life. Beyond that, little is known about his personal life or career. He remains a somewhat obscure figure in literary history.

Edwin C. Ranck

Grit.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

In Deeper Vein.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

The Circus.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

Alas.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

English

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Lent.

"Oh lend me five," the young man cried,
    "My money all is spent."
The maiden shook her head and sighed,
    "I'm sorry but it's Lent."

Edwin C. Ranck

A New Version.

Old Mother Hubbard
    She went to the cupboard,
To find a nice bone for her dog.
    But when she got there
The cupboard was bare,
    And now they are both on the hog.

Edwin C. Ranck

Take Up The Household Burden.

Take up the household burden,
    No iron rule of kings,
But make your family understand
    That you are running things,
Don't storm around and bluster,
    And don't get mad and swear
If in the soup is floating--
    A rag and a hank of hair.

Take up the household burden
    In patience to abide,
To curse the irate grocer
    And make your wife confide
By open speech and simple
    And hundred times made plain
How she has sought to profit
    In spending all you gain.

Take up the household burden--
    The little baby boy,
And walk the floor in anguish
    And don't let it annoy.
For when the kid seems sleepy
    And you are feeling "sold,"
There comes a cry from baby boy
    That makes your blood run cold.

Edwin C. Ranck

Farmer Stebbins Ahead.

DEAR COUSIN JOHN:

    I'm very glad you sent that money through,
    By Cousin Seth, an' not by mail, as I requested you!
    The fam'ly's just so much ahead: 'twere best it never came.
    If Jeroboam Jones had twined his fingers 'round the same.
    For that young man has principles fit only to abhor,
    And isn't the kind of relative that I was lookin' for!

    My sakes! Millennium's nowhere near, when men so false can be
    As to equivocate themselves into my family tree;
    An' on its honest branches graft the shoots of their design,
    An' make me think they're good because they're relatives of mine;
    While under those fraternal smiles a robber's frown is hid;
    But that's the inappropriate thing that Jeroboam did!

    When Cousin Seth the ta...

William McKendree Carleton

The Plunder.

I am of all bereft,
Save but some few beans left,
Whereof, at last, to make
For me and mine a cake,
Which eaten, they and I
Will say our grace, and die.

Robert Herrick

A Wonderful Feat.

I never walk along the street
    Because I haven't any feet;
Nor is this strange when I repeat
    That I am but a garden beet.

Edwin C. Ranck