Three times I had the lust to kill, <br />To clutch a throat so young and fair, <br />And squeeze with all my might until <br />No breath of being lingered there. <br />Three times I drove the demon out, <br />Though on my brow was evil sweat. . . . <br />And yet I know beyond a doubt <br />He'll get me yet, he'll get me yet. <br /> <br />I know I'm mad, I ought to tell <br />The doctors, let them care for me, <br />Confine me in a padded cell <br />And never, never set me free; <br />But Oh how cruel that would be! <br />For I am young - and comely too . . . <br />Yet dim my demon I can see, <br />And there is but one thing to do. <br /> <br />Three times I beat the foul fiend back; <br />The fourth, I know he will prevail, <br />And so I'll seek the railway track <br />And lay my head upon the rail, <br />And sight the dark and distant train, <br />And hear its thunder louder roll, <br />Coming to crush my cursed brain . . . <br />Oh God, have mercy on my soul!<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-hero/
