To the Creditor by Oliver Herford
The poem presents a satirical toast to creditors, celebrating their role in financial transactions while simultaneously critiquing the nature of debt and obligation. It begins with a wish for the creditor's enduring power and unwavering faith, suggesting a reverence for their position in society. The tone is both humorous and ironic, as it juxtaposes the ideal qualities of a creditor—gentleness, graciousness, and joy—with the expectation that they remain vigilant against any attempts at repayment. The speaker invokes biblical imagery, referencing the softening of hearts, which implies a desire for compassion in financial dealings. However, this is contrasted with the creditor's quickness to resent any offer of payment, highlighting the often adversarial relationship between debtor and creditor. The poem suggests that while creditors may be seen as benevolent figures, their true nature is one of strictness and a reluctance to relinquish their claims. As the poem progresses, it reflects on the ultimate reckoning that creditors face, where they must account for their actions. The closing lines introduce a notion of divine judgment, implying that creditors will be rewarded or punished based on how they treated those in debt. The final toast encapsulates the duality of the creditor's role—both a figure of authority and a subject to moral scrutiny. Overall, the work critiques the dynamics of credit and debt, using humor and irony to explore themes of power, morality, and the human condition in financial relationships.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Humor · 161 words
First lines
Here's to the Creditor, / Long may he reign!
May his Faith never waver, / His Trust never wane.
May the Lord make him gentle / And gracious and gay, / Yet quick to resent / The least offer of pay: / May he soften his heart / As he softened, we're told, / To the Israelite's 'touch,' / The Egyptian of old; / And when on his last / Long account he shall look, / The angel will say / As he closes the book: / "The Lord gives you Credit / For Credit you gave"!
So here's to the Creditor -- / Long may he waive.
What this Textopian page supports
To the Creditor is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Humor, Social Commentary, Philosophical
- Length: 161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
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- Work identity for To the Creditor by Oliver Herford
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques the nature of creditors and debt, using irony to convey its message.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and playful language suggest a comedic approach to the subject matter.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal attitudes towards debt and credit, offering insights into human behavior.
Tags
humor · satire · poetry · social commentary · financial crisis · debt · credit · economy · politics · society · class struggle · capitalism