The Bricklayer's Lament
«Respected Sir,
When I got to the top of the building I found that the hurricane had knocked some bricks off the top. So I rigged up a beam with a pulley at the top of the building and hoisted up a couple of barrels full of bricks.
When I had fixed the building, there was a lot of bricks left over. I hoisted the barrel back up again and secured the line at the bottom, and then went up and filled the barrel with extra bricks. Then I went to the bottom and cast off the line.
Unfortunately the barrel of bricks was heavier than I was, and before I knew what was happening, the barrel started down, jerking me off the ground.
I decided to hang on, and halfway up I met the barrel coming down, and received a severe blow on the shoulder.
I then continued to the top, banging me 'ead against the beam and getting my fingers jammed in the pulley.
When the barrel hit the ground, it burst at its bottom, allowing all the bricks to spill out. I was now heavier than the barrel, and so started down again at high speed.
Halfway down I met the barrel coming up, and received severe injuries to my shins. When I hit the ground I landed on the bricks, getting several painful cuts from the sharp edges.
At this point I must have lost my presence of mind because I let go the line.
The barrel then came down, giving me another heavy blow on the head, and putting me in hospital.
I respectfully request sick leave.»