Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, RETRIBUTION, by DAVID LAW PROUDFIT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RETRIBUTION, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Here, you, policeman, just step inside
Last Line: Well, let's go.
Alternate Author Name(s): Arkwright, Pegleg
Subject(s): Murder; Police; Punishment


HERE, you, policeman, just step inside;
See this young woman here --
Only just died.
Facts in the case look to be
Somewhat peculiar;
Cause of death as you see,
Stabbed in the side.

Me and Maud Myrtle was standing right here,
Takin' a drink;
In come a loafer, chock full o' beer,
Leading a little child sweet as a pink;
Not more 'n three years old, pretty and bright,
Such little chaps as him's good for the sight.
First thing we knowed the villain was rarin',
An' cursin', and swearin',
To make the child drink.

Maud was the nearest by,
Sprung at him with a cry,
Dashed the glass down!
Glared the brute's evil eye,
Wicked his frown.
Quick as the lightning's gleam
Flashed out the villain's knife;
Maud gave one gurgling scream
As the steel reached her life --
Tore through her tender side.
So the girl died!

Policeman -- there she lies,
Resting at last!
Trouble was twins with her;
That is all past!
Her life was hard enough,
Bore on her rather rough;
But to see that peaceful face,
Pale and sweet beneath the light,
Goes to argue that the place
Where she's travelled to to-night,
Whatso sort of world it is,
Can't be worse for her than this.

The murderer? Yes!
Yonder he lies;
Dead in the dirt,
Like a dog he dies.
Some says its doubtful if hanging's played out,
It don't suit me to admit of a doubt.
Think I'm wanted! Do you, though?
Well, let's go.





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