David Waterston

Madam Life’s a piece in bloom
Death goes dogging everywhere:
She’s the tenant of the room,
He’s the ruffian on the stair.

You shall see her as a friend,
You shall bilk him once or twice;
But he’ll trap you in the end,
And he’ll stick you for her price.

With his kneebones at your chest,
And his knuckles in your throat,
You would reason – plead – protest!
Clutching at her petticoat;

But she’s heard it all before,
Well she knows you’ve had your fun,
Gingerly she gains the door,
And your little job is done.

- William Ernest Henley, 1849 – 1903

More:

• William Ernest Henley (Wikipedia)
• Selected poems by William Ernest Henley (Poets’ Corner)
• “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, spoken by actor Alan Bates (YouTube)
  Perhaps better known to the rapscallion readers of this blog as the final (written) words of Timothy McVeigh.