THE  LEGACY
 
Thomas Standforth Smith 
was a poor carpenter 
until his wealthy uncle 

died, leaving him possessed 
of property amounting 
to a thousand pounds a year 

which, by saving, scraping, 
toiling, he increased 
to fifteen hundred a year: 

but fearing to die a beggar, 
his life became a burthen, 
he attempted self-destruction 

by drinking laudanum: 
though since he took too little 
(for he begrudged the cost), 

still lived:  and so, for cheapness, 
Thomas Standforth Smith 
(the one-time poor carpenter), 

retired to his bedroom 
with a naked razor, shut 
the door and slit his throat.

                     (1966)