by Philip Kitcher

I once had a pound, and I thought I would use it
to pay for a pint or to drink a wee dram.
I once had a pound, and I worried I’d lose it—
it now buys so little, I don’t give a damn.

I once had a pound; though I struggled to earn it,
it took me some way to my purchasing goal.
I now have a pound, but I might as well burn it.
I’m giving up work. I shall go on the dole.