Madam Life's a piece in bloom <br />Death goes dogging everywhere: <br />She's the tenant of the room, <br />He's the ruffian on the stair. <br /> <br />You shall see her as a friend, <br />You shall bilk him once or twice; <br />But he'll trap you in the end, <br />And he'll stick you for her price. <br /> <br />With his kneebones at your chest, <br />And his knuckles in your throat, <br />You would reason -- plead -- protest! <br />Clutching at her petticoat; <br /> <br />But she's heard it all before, <br />Well she knows you've had your fun, <br />Gingerly she gains the door, <br />And your little job is done.<br /><br />William Ernest Henley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/madam-life-s-a-piece-in-bloom/
