The Workmans Friend
When things go wrong and will not come right,
Though you do the best you can,
When life looks black as the hour of night -
A pint of plain is your only man.
When money's tight and hard to get
And your horse has also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt -
A pint of plain is your only man.
When health is bad and your heart feels strange,
And your face is pale and wan,
When doctors say you need a change,
A pint of plain is your only man.
When food is scarce and your larder bare
And no rashers grease your pan,
When hunger grows as your meals are rare -
A pint of plain is your only man.
In time of trouble and lousey strife,
You have still got a darlint plan
You still can turn to a brighter life -
A pint of plain is your only man.
--Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan)
Hap Notes: Flann O'Brien/Myles na gCopaleen/Brian O'Nolan ,( 1911 - 1966) was an Irish novelist, poet and humorist. Thought this poem, which is regularly quoted, would be a good one for St. Patrick's Day. O'Nolan wrote under a variety of pseudonyms and his novels are extraordinary. Much of his work was published in the fleeting worlds of magazines and newspapers so it takes some digging to find.
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