Classic Poem

I landed in St. Louis with six dollars and no more,
I read the daily papers until my eyes were sore;
Looking over advertisements it was by chance I saw,
" Wanted, daily laborer in the State of Arkansas. "

Billie Hughes, being the agent, to him I did apply;
I told him my condition and where I wanted to go.
He says, " Lay me down five dollars and a ticket you will draw,
It will land you on the railroad in the State of Arkansas. "

I laid him down five dollars, and I did not feel the shock,
Until I landed at a station, they called it Little Rock.
There was no one to greet me, no one to shake my paw,
No one to say, " You are welcome, in the State of Arkansas. "

While lounging round the platform I chanced to meet a friend.
His name was Aaron Kitchen, although they called him Ben.
He says, " You are a stranger, these ideas I do draw,
Up yonder is my hotel, and the best in Arkansas. "

I followed my conductor to his respective place,
Where pity and starvation was pictured in his face.
His fare it was corn-dodgers, and the beef I could not chaw,
And he taxed me a half a dollar in the State of Arkansas.

Early next morning I started on my tramp,
Just like a jolly bummer my budget on my back;
Me being able bodied to work my under-jaw
Around that scanty table in the State of Arkansas.

I bought me a pint of whisky my troubles to withdraw,
And I got as drunk as blazes when I left Old Arkansas.
If ever I see that land again, I will hand to you my paw,
It will be through a telescope from hell to Arkansas.