The Enemy

The Enemy written by William Henry Davies

From "Poems 1930-1931", 1932

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Though I am all for warmth and light,
For my full share of Earth's delight,
How often must I stand perplexed!
Knowing that Death has little care
Who answers to his call, or where -
When his cold voice comes crying, 'Next!'

If Joy should falter any day,
Have no unkindly thoughts, and say -
'How hard and strained is this man's note!'
But rather think Death sometimes comes
For early practise here, and hums
His hard, dry rattle in my throat.

This work is in the public domain in countries where the copyright term is the author's life plus 70 years or less.