Cicely Fox Smith

A Lament

It induces a sensation
Of irritation
(Not to mention frustration
And even indignation)
When one makes humble solicitation
For employment in some useful occupation
In this crisis in the affairs of the nation
And receives in reply a communication
To the effect that in relation
To the aforesaid application
It will receive due consideration
After further amplification
Explanation
And elucidation
And of course the most careful investigation
And filling up of forms in duplification,
Triplification,
And quadruplification,
And that the said application
Will be open for further —
Oh, blast —
Procrastination!