Death Snips Proud Men

DEATH is stronger than all the governments because

    the governments are men and men die and then

    death laughs: Now you see 'em, now you don't.

Death is stronger than all proud men and so death

    snips proud men on the nose, throws a pair of

    dice and says: Read 'em and weep.

Death sends a radiogram every day: When I want

    you I'll drop in—and then one day he comes with a

    master-key and lets himself in and says: We'll

    go now.

Death is a nurse mother with big arms: 'Twon't hurt

    you at all; it's your time now; just need a

    long sleep, child; what have you had anyhow

    better than sleep?

Composition date is unknown - the above date represents the first publication date.The lyrical form of this poem is abcb.1.snips: cuts down with scissors (cf. Atropos, the fate who cut thethread of men's life).3.radiogram: wireless message.