OUR CURRENTLY FEATURED POEM
THE PERFECT EMPLOYER
"I broke a dish at Grandma's,"
He hastened home to say.
His tone revealed the mishap
Had almost wrecked the day.
We asked him how it happened.
His words were sadly lipped,
"Well, I was wiping dishes,
And, golly, that one slipped!”
But then, as though reaction
To solace was delayed,
He started in relating
A virtual parade
Of dishes Grandma told him
That she had cracked or chipped —-
A list to ease a conscience
That hurt because one slipped.
The while he talked we noted
His fingers clutched a dime.
He said for helping Grandma
She'd paid him for his time.
Oh, son, don't judge life's business
By this so gainful trip!
In truth it's only grandmas
Who pay for things that slip.
Margaret Rorke (1915-2000) wrote poetry that was regularly published on the editorial pages of The Saginaw News (2,824 different poems in all). From 1975 through 1990, approximately 400 of her poems were featured in Judd Arnett’s column in The Detroit Free Press, and her poetry appeared in countless other settings throughout her lifetime.
The digital edition of her 4,000 published poems as well as her three books of poetry have recently been added to the Library of Congress's collection of American poetry.
This website was made in an effort to share Margaret Rorke’s poems with the world. Please read, enjoy, and most of all - share with your loved ones.
Browse Poems by Category
3 THINGS TO DO WITH A POEM YOU LOVE
Send it to a Loved One
Download or print any poem from this website and email or send it to friends or family members. It will brighten their day!
Hang it Up in Your Home
Hang up a poem that inspires you somewhere in your home where you’ll see it often, and it will bring you joy every day!
Read it to Your Children
Many of Margaret’s poems tickle the funny poem, and your children are sure to enjoy them. Make them a bedtime read!
Are you looking for a poem on a particular topic?
Margaret Rorke published over 4,000 poems in her lifetime. If you are looking for a poem on a particular topic, please fill out the form here, and her daughter, Peg, and son, Bob, will be in touch with what they can find.