Civil service jingles and other things

Chapter 33: REGRET 1909

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About This Book

A series of witty poems, parables, and light verses lampooning bureaucratic life and public service. Short jingles and longer allegorical sketches caricature clerical drudgery, patronage, political opportunism, and office rivalries, often using mock‑biblical cadence, puns, and comic exaggeration. Narratives follow minor officials navigating promotions, investigations, and changing regimes, while satirical vignettes highlight hypocrisy and the survival tactics of lower‑rank employees. The collection alternates playful rhyme and humorous prose to entertain readers acquainted with administrative routines.

REGRET 1909

Now that the Summer time has came, and Winter dark has went,

We’ll stay indoors from nine to five, do penance and repent,

That we so rashly took the veil and swore to serve the King,

When we could have broken stones or done some other easy thing;

We could have braved the briny, strange countries to explore,

Or Christianized the Heathen without suffering any more

Than we do here in our strict cage, pent up by rule and rote,

To eat the bread of routine, like any ass or goat.

What tho’ we truly strug and strive, to promptly do the task we’re given,

We have to sign the book at five, so might as well have never striven.

The Wise cultivate the power of adaptation, the fool standeth against circumstances and is carried away.