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.