The Bricklayer's job is a seasonal one
Or perhaps it would be better
To say, he works on a job, til it's done!
Or according to the weather.
They also say he gets good pay
And maybe that is so,
But don't forget there's many a day
When it will rain and snow!
It's a back-breaking job, this laying of brick,
This blending of stone and mortar
And many a day he may be sick
But he works 'cause he feels he oughta'
The winters are tough on this bricklayin man
The sun shines, but ah! There's the
rub!
He goes to the job with his lunch in his hand,
But the mortar will freeze in the tub!
There's a lot of lost time between their jobs
As they pray for one to start quick!
Oh, the hours and wages of which they've been robbed
When they're held up for steel or brick!
There's many a monument built to these men
In which they take great pride!
On a tour of inspection, he may take a friend
With pleasure that's gratified!
You may see a building that's burned to the ground
But the brick chimney, stood the test!
Its left standing alone, with burned embers around
while maybe it's builder's at rest
For all of the crafts, that assembled here,
And the contractor, who did invest
In the steamfitter, plumber, or carpenter,
The bricklayer's job was the best!
Dedicated to her husband, John "Red" Lough, member of Local.1, Rhode Island, by Rita Rock Lough