The Hair of the Dog

In the land of the clog,
Amsterdam’s hot shots
have got a new idea
for cleaning the streets:
employ a few sots
and reward their labour
with the hair of the dog.
Five cans of beer,
8 euros and a lunch
plus a pouch of tobacco
are attractive to blokes
who can pack a punch.
It keeps them busy
and Oosterpark clear.

It sounds a good deal
yet some are uneasy
and fear that drink
adds fuel to the fire.
But others think
that the objectors
suffer from zeal.

At least if they sup,
a spokesman said,
they won’t binge.
Moreover it’s good
for them to be active
and be encouraged
to pull their socks up.

© Luigi Pagano 2013



Alcoholics paid in BEER to clean the streets