Dorothy Parker Rothschild (1893 - 1967) was a master of the short story, dramatist, screenwriter, and sharp-tongued critic, but she was also an accomplished poet.
She represented one of the most vivid feminist and successful literary writers in women’s history.
She became known as one of the most brilliant writers from the early 1900s.
Her poetry earned the admiration of critics such as Odgen Nash, Somerset Maugham, and Edmund Wilson.
THRENODY
Lilacs blossom just as sweet
Now my heart is shattered.
If I bowled it down the street,
Who's to say it mattered?
If there's one that rode away
What would I be missing?
Lips that taste of tears, they say,
Are the best for kissing.
Eyes that watch the morning star
Seem a little brighter;
Arms held out to darkness are
Usually whiter.
Shall I bar the strolling guest,
Bind my brow with willow,
When, they say, the empty breast
Is the softer pillow?
That a heart falls tinkling down,
Never think it ceases.
Every likely lad in town
Gathers up the pieces.
If there's one gone whistling by
Would I let it grieve me?
Let him wonder if I lie;
Let him half believe me.
Published in 1926.
LIGHT OF LOVE
Joy stayed with me a night
Young and free and fair
And in the morning light
He left me there.
Then Sorrow came to stay,
And lay upon my breast
He walked with me in the day.
And knew me best.
I'll never be a bride,
Nor yet celibate,
So I'm living now with Pride
A cold bedmate.
He must not hear nor see,
Nor could he forgive
That Sorrow still visits me
Each day I live.
Published in 1926.
RESUME
Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.
Published in 1926.
As it may be a bit difficult for you to understand it, I decided to include a French translation of this poem.
Les rasoirs font mal;
Les rivières sont humides;
Les acides tachent;
Les médicaments donnent des crampes.
Les revolvers ne sont pas légaux;
Les nœuds coulants se défont;
Le gaz sent trop mauvais.
Autant continuer Ă vivre..."