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1866–1921

WHEN IT IS HOT

Bert Leston Taylor

Consider Mr. Shadrach, Of fiery furnace fame: He did n't bleat about the heat Or fuss about the flame.

He did n't stew and worry, And get his nerves in kinks, Nor fill his skin with limes and gin And other “cooling drinks.”

Consider Mr. Meshach, Who felt the furnace too: He let it sizz nor queried “Is It hot enough for you?”

He did n't mop his forehead, And hunt a shady spot; Nor did he say, “Gee! what a day! Believe me, it's some hot.”

Consider, too, Abed-nego, Who shared his comrades’ plight: He did n't shake his coat and make Himself a holy sight.

He did n't wear suspenders Without a coat and vest; Nor did he scowl and snort and howl, And make himself a pest.

Consider, friends, this trio — How little fuss they made. They did n't curse when it was worse Than ninety in the shade.

They moved about serenely Within the furnace bright, And soon forgot that it was hot, With “no relief in sight.”

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WHEN IT IS HOT · Bert Leston Taylor · Poetry Cove