I Eat Poetry

Defiance

You have hounded me well, my Lady Life,
You have beaten and bruised and bent,
But ever I stayed me amid the strife
To turn you a compliment.

You may cozen me there and trick me here--
Your way with a soul long since--
But I'll mock before I'll plead, my dear,
And I'll boast before I wince.

Why think you to make me a captive cowed?
The day that you slay, I swear
I will kiss my fingertips to the crowd
And jest with the headsman there.

(Theodosia Garrison)