the mule and the man

The mule- he is a gentle beast;
      And so is man.
He's satisfied to be the least;
      And so is man.
Like man, he may be taught some tricks;
He does his work from 8 to 6;
The mule- when he gets mad, he kicks;
      And so does man.

The mule- he has a load to pull;
      And so has man.
He's happiest when he is full;
      And so is man.
Like man he holds a patient poise,
And when his work's done will rejoice.
The mule- he likes to hear his voice;
      And so does man.

The mule- he has his faults, 'tis true;
      And so has man.
He does some things he should not do;
      And so does man.
Like man, he doesn't yearn for style,
But wants contentment all the while.
The mule- he has a lovely smile;
      And so has man.

The mule is sometimes kind and good;
      And so is man.
He eats all kinds of breakfast food;
      And so does man.
Like man, he balks at gaudy dress
Like all outlandish foolishness;
The mule's accused of mulishness;
      And so is man.
               -Missouri Ruralist, 1911
- posted by pioneergirl at 9:30 PM