Robert William Service

I Believe

It’s my belief that every man
   Should do his share of work,
And in our economic plan
   No citizen should shirk.
That in return each one should get
   His meed of fold and food,
And feel that all his toil and sweat
   Is for the common good.

It’s my belief that every chap
   Should have an equal start,
And there should be no handicap
   To hinder his depart;
That there be fairness in the fight,
   And justice in the race,
And every lad should have the right
   To win his proper place.

It’s my belief that people should
   Be neither rich nor poor;
That none should suffer servitude,
   And all should be secure.
That wealth is loot, and rank is rot,
   And foul is class and clan;
That to succeed a man may not
   Exploit his brother man.

It’s my belief that heritage
   And usury are wrong;
That each should win a worthy wage
   And sing an honest song ....
Not one like this — for though I rue
   The wrong of life, I flout it.
Alas! I’m not prepared to do
   A goddam thing about it.