Classic Poem

He wrapped the blunt-nosed thing and took
Its brother from the tray,
And that he wrapped—then more and more,
All shining, blunt-nosed, by the score,
And wrapped them so all day.

His neighbor laid them in a box,
Another fixed the lid;
The work was swift, and many hands,
Of sundry men of sundry lands,
Did it, as they were bid.

And what they knew of blunt-nosed things,
No word, nor shrewd glance said;
The work was theirs—this much was good,
For men must live and have their food,
Though other men lie dead!