Rachel Lyman Field

Sandwich Men

There's something about Sandwich Men

That makes me want to cry;—

Not just because they're mostly old

And dreary round the eye,

Or stooped between those painted boards

Their shoulders carry high,

It's something that you seem to feel

When Sandwich Men go by.


You always know that they are there

No matter how you try

To turn your head the other way;

It's not because they sigh

Or beg. They haven't things to sell

And so you cannot buy.

You have to watch them shuffle past

In rainy streets or dry,

And feel that something that you feel

When Sandwich Men go by.