defined
- Safety-clutch
- n. A mechanical device acting automatically to prevent the fall of an elevator, or cage, in case of an accident to the hoisting apparatus.
- Once I seen a human ruin In an elevator-well, And his members was bestrewin’ All the place where he had fell.
- And I says, apostrophisin’ That uncommon woful wreck: “Your position’s so surprisin’ That I tremble for your neck!”
- Then that ruin, smilin’ sadly And impressive, up and spoke: “Well, I wouldn’t tremble badly, For it’s been a fortnight broke.”
- Then, for further comprehension Of his attitude, he begs I will focus my attention On his various arms and legs —
- How they all are contumacious; Where they each, respective, lie; How one trotter proves ungracious, T’other one an alibi.
- These particulars is mentioned For to show his dismal state, Which I wasn’t first intentioned To specifical relate.
- None is worser to be dreaded That I ever have heard tell Than the gent’s who there was spreaded In that elevator-well.
- Now this tale is allegoric — It is figurative all, For the well is metaphoric And the feller didn’t fall.
- I opine it isn’t moral For a writer-man to cheat, And despise to wear a laurel As was gotten by deceit.
- For ’tis Politics intended By the elevator, mind, It will boost a person splendid If his talent is the kind.
- Col. Bryan had the talent (For the busted man is him) And it shot him up right gallant Till his head begun to swim.
- Then the rope it broke above him And he painful come to earth Where there’s nobody to love him For his detrimented worth.
- Though he’s livin’ none would know him, Or at leastwise not as such. Moral of this woful poem: Frequent oil your safety-clutch.
- Porfer Poog