AFTER US . . THE DELUGE
(Apres nous deluge.)
You good old pals, you who went out to break
With tight clenched fists, defiance in your hearts,
You who for men a new paradise would make
To you I sing before I leave these parts . . .
My own defiance chilled with rains of time
And rust has sealed in one, my sheathe and sword,
I know a brutal, singing crew of crime,
And I love with all my heart this reckless horde.
My friends each day live for their appetites,
To sink tomorrow to privations way.
At night they raise their heads and each recites
“Diem Perdidi” . . . I have lost a day . . .
With godly owe they do not kiss a girl . .
And fertile females their interest don't claim . .
In night cafes, mid squallid smoky whirl
They are the knights of dames of doubtful fame . . .
I have as friends extravagent old men,
We’ll gladly give our all its last refuge . . .
Weflauntredrosesinourhair . . and then . .
When we are gone . . “after us, the deluge . .”
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