Death Snips Proud Men
TH 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.
Carl Sandburg
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