Spurred on by heavy competition
What dreams of their own do they have?
Fulfilling the old tradition
Of obedience, true and sad

There was a time when they laughed with glee,
Worked steadily, cheerfully singing
Look now as they silently sit and study
And wither away to nothing

Let them be loud, obnoxious, sincere
And let them ask stupid questions
Gaze at them lovingly, holding them dear
And wish you could have their positions

Life's Exertions

There lived two friends, learned rapidly