Oh, I should like to ride the seas, <br />A roaring buccaneer; <br />A cutlass banging at my knees, <br />A dirk behind my ear. <br />And when my captives' chains would clank <br />I'd howl with glee and drink, <br />And then fling out the quivering plank <br />And watch the beggars sink. <br /> <br />I'd like to straddle gory decks, <br />And dig in laden sands, <br />And know the feel of throbbing necks <br />Between my knotted hands. <br />Oh, I should like to strut and curse <br />Among my blackguard crew.... <br />But I am writing little verse, <br />As little ladies do. <br /> <br />Oh, I should like to dance and laugh <br />And pose and preen and sway, <br />And rip the hearts of men in half, <br />And toss the bits away. <br />I'd like to view the reeling years <br />Through unastonished eyes, <br />And dip my finger-tips in tears, <br />And give my smiles for sighs. <br /> <br />I'd stroll beyond the ancient bounds, <br />And tap at fastened gates, <br />And hear the prettiest of sound- <br />The clink of shattered fates. <br />My slaves I'd like to bind with thongs <br />That cut and burn and chill.... <br />But I am writing little songs, <br />As little ladies will.<br /><br />Dorothy Parker<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/song-of-perfect-propriety/
