A Shropshire Lad - XXIV

by A. E. Housman

    Say, lad, have you things to do?
    Quick then, while your day's at prime.
    Quick, and if 'tis work for two,
    Here am I, man: now's your time.

    Send me now, and I shall go;
    Call me, I shall hear you call;
    Use me ere they lay me low
    Where a man's no use at all;

    Ere the wholesome flesh decay,
    And the willing nerve be numb,
    And the lips lack breath to say,
    "No, my lad, I cannot come."