My Life

Three times I had the lust to kill,

To clutch a throat so young and fair,

And squeeze with all my might until

No breath of being lingered there.

Three times I drove the demon out,

Though on my brow was evil sweat. . . .

And yet I know beyond a doubt

He'll get me yet, he'll get me yet.

I know I'm mad, I ought to tell

The doctors, let them care for me,

Confine me in a padded cell

And never, never set me free;

But Oh how cruel that would be!

For I am young - and comely too . . .

Yet dim my demon I can see,

And there is but one thing to do.

Three times I beat the foul fiend back;

The fourth, I know he will prevail,

And so I'll seek the railway track

And lay my head upon the rail,

And sight the dark and distant train,

And hear its thunder louder roll,

Coming to crush my cursed brain . . .

Oh God, have mercy on my soul!