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.
