There was one a-riding grand <br /> On a tall brown mare, <br />And a fine gold band <br /> He brought me there. <br /> <br />A little, gold band <br /> He held to me <br />That would shine on a hand <br /> For the world to see. <br /> <br />There was one a-walking swift <br /> To a little, new song, <br />And a rose was the gift <br /> He carried along, <br /> <br />First of all the posies, <br /> Dewy and red. <br />They that have roses <br /> Never need bread. <br /> <br />There was one with a swagger <br /> And a soft, slow tongue, <br />And a bright, cold dagger <br /> Where his left hand swung- <br /> <br />Craven and gilt, <br /> Old and bad- <br />And his stroking of the hilt <br /> Set a girl mad. <br /> <br />There was one a-riding grand <br /> As he rode from me. <br />And he raised his golden band <br /> And he threw it in the sea. <br /> <br />There was one a-walking slow <br /> To a sad, Iong sigh. <br />And his rose drooped low, <br /> And he flung it down to die. <br /> <br />There was one with a swagger <br /> And a little, sharp pride, <br />And a bright, cold dagger <br /> Ever at his side. <br /> <br />At his side it stayed <br /> When he ran to part. <br />What is this blade <br /> Struck through my heart?<br /><br />Dorothy Parker<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/there-was-one/
