TheMommyBlog

Sunday, May 09, 2004 Me, Me, Me

Since all good things must eventually point back to ME (it’s my blog, it’s Mother’s Day, what did you really expect??), I get to post a poem by one of my favorites, Dorothy Parker. That broad could lay ‘em down like nobody’s business. This one SO speaks to me… *sigh*

Song of Perfect Propriety

Oh, I should like to ride the seas,
A roaring buccaneer;
A cutlass banging at my knees,
A dirk behind my ear.
And when my captives’ chains would clank
I’d howl with glee and drink,
And then fling out the quivering plank
And watch the beggars sink.

I’d like to straddle gory decks,
And dig in laden sands,
And know the feel of throbbing necks
Between my knotted hands.
Oh, I should like to strut and curse
Among my blackguard crew....
But I am writing little verse,
As little ladies do.

Oh, I should like to dance and laugh
And pose and preen and sway,
And rip the hearts of men in half,
And toss the bits away.
I’d like to view the reeling years
Through unastonished eyes,
And dip my finger-tips in tears,
And give my smiles for sighs.

I’d stroll beyond the ancient bounds,
And tap at fastened gates,
And hear the prettiest of sound-
The clink of shattered fates.
My slaves I’d like to bind with thongs
That cut and burn and chill....
But I am writing little songs,
As little ladies will.

- Dorothy Parker

And, to top it off, a quiz! (But you knew the result already. *rolls eyes*)