I thought I had enough weight on my shoulders, Till I saw him Neatly pile up all our suitcases, Tie them with knots tight and sure, Then place the burden that was his livelihood Onto his curving back, bending it more, And turn with a swiftness that defied The grey of his hair and the lines on his face The coolie walked fast and proud, While we, empty-handed, struggled to stay apace.