The Coolie

He knew that he would die there,

In the desert all alone.

But he'd rather die a free man,

Than a coolie hauling stones.

Just when all hope was lost and gone,

A lone cow came to view.

He knew it surely was a sign,

His strength became renewed.

He followed it, and to his glee,

It led him to a town.

But he took care, he's still not free,

He'd hide until sundown.

He hid among the garbage.

But was in for a surprise.

A tray of moldy muffins,

came flying with stale pies.

He didn't care, he ate them all,

His hunger wouldn't wait.

He didn't notice someone move,

'Til he saw the glint of blade.

A lady stood before him,

With an apron tied on nice.

On her left hand was a rolling pin,

On the right, a hunting knife.

He knelt down in surrender,

His body weak with fear.

He knew, if he moved suddenly,

He'd be buried somewhere here.

"Madame, hand me some mercy.

I'm a tired and hungry man.

My only fault was poverty,

I'm a slave in a foreign land."

The lady moved in quickly,

He readied for his death.

But to his surprise the lady smiled,

And with a sing song voice she said,

"You're in Busted Gulch now, honey.

And here, hunger's got no room.

If you drop by, down that bakery,

I've got baked goods, fresh, for you."

With that, she took his hand in hers,

And took him to her shop.

She set a table up for him,

In a minute, the food's served up.

His weary eyes, went wide in fear,

There was no way he could pay.

He has no money, didn't she see?

He just told her he's slave!

"I know just what you're thinking."

The lady kindly said.

"You need not pay me right away,

But you can help me make my bread."

"We'll wake before the sun is up,

There's a lot we have to bake.

But I'll pay, plus board and lodging,

So, honey, what'd you say?"

It's been a while, since he has cried,

True tears of boundless joy.

This stranger served him dignity,

He could not ask for more.

"You have my word, my dear Madame,"

The coolie humbly said.

"You have my life, my loyalty,

I'm your man, until I'm dead."