Tho' losses long pushed man to drink, br For reading loud his slip of pink, br Despaired he not, but paused to think, br Aye you'll agree: br It could be worse... br br Grief's tears poured down from baleful skies, br Whose bills slow pondered past blank eyes; br When power's cut and taps run dry. br Forget not this: br It could be worse... br br The winter's frigid fields too cold br These stiffened bones - they be too old br Your sales? Pay heed - they've poorly sold: br Yet don't lament, br It could be worse... br br The taxmen take another chop; br As icecaps drip another drop; br The price of gas grows without stop, br And thats not all: br It could be worse... br br Foul winds blow home to disrepair, br Poor lungs gasp at black smoggy air br We yearn for love but nothing's there. br Hold firm your hat, br It could be worse...