To W. R.

William Ernest Henley

Madam Life’s a piece in bloom
Death goes dogging everywhere:
She’s the tenant of the room,
He’s the ruffian on the stair.

You shall see her as a friend,
You shall bilk him once and twice;
But he’ll trap you in the end,
And he’ll stick you for her price.

With his kneebones at your chest,
And his knuckles in your throat,
You would reason—plead—protest!
Clutching at her petticoat;

But she’s heard it all before,
Well she knows you’ve had your fun,
Gingerly she gains the door,
And your little job is done.

Next 10 Poems

• William Ernest Henley : To W. R. ( Ii )
• William Ernest Henley : Trees And The Menace Of Night
• William Ernest Henley : Vigil
• William Ernest Henley : Villon's Straight Tip To All Cross Coves
• William Ernest Henley : Visitor
• William Ernest Henley : Waiting
• William Ernest Henley : We Flash Across The Level
• William Ernest Henley : We'll Go No More A-roving By The Light Of The Moon
• William Ernest Henley : What Have I Done For You
• William Ernest Henley : When The Wind Storms By With A Shout

Previous 10 Poems

• William Ernest Henley : To W. B.
• William Ernest Henley : To W. A.
• William Ernest Henley : To S. C.
• William Ernest Henley : To R. L. S.
• William Ernest Henley : To R. F. B.
• William Ernest Henley : To R. A. M. S.
• William Ernest Henley : To P. A. G.
• William Ernest Henley : To My Mother Iii
• William Ernest Henley : To My Mother Ii
• William Ernest Henley : To My Mother