Carl Sandburg

Death Snips Proud Men

DEATH is stronger than all the governments because
    the governments are men and men die and then
    death laughs: Now you see 'em, now you don't.
Death is stronger than all proud men and so death
    snips proud men on the nose, throws a pair of
    dice and says: Read 'em and weep.
Death sends a radiogram every day: When I want
    you I'll drop in—and then one day he comes with a
    master-key and lets himself in and says: We'll
    go now.
Death is a nurse mother with big arms: 'Twon't hurt
    you at all; it's your time now; just need a
    long sleep, child; what have you had anyhow
    better than sleep?