Classic Poem

When first I op'd an eye,
O World, thy phiz to see,
They say I launched a sigh,
And faith it well may be.
My little soul e'en then,
Was not from bodings free,
That like some luckless men,
I should be pinched by thee.

When I began to crawl,
And eye thy features new,
The rod, the frequent fall
My tears in torrents drew.
And that I looked around,
I soon had cause to rue,
For every where I found
Thy double teeth in view.

Yet undismay'd I went,
And braved the ill I met;
I crept up life's ascent,
And hop'd a smile to get.
That such a thing is thine,
I cannot tell as yet;
Thy frowns alone were mine,
Thy face a constant fret.

But hear, old gemman, hear,
Thou play'st so cross a card,
I soon shall cease to fear,
Thy tricks to disregard.
For though thy paws are rough,
Thy grip so very hard,
I tell thee, sure enough,
There's yet a rich reward.

Thy smiles and frowns I'll spurn,
And like thyself make free;
I'll kick thee now in turn,
For thou hast long kick'd me.
Thy ways I now despise,
And forward look with glee;
I see beyond the skies
A better world than thee.