RESUME --- 1926
by Dorothy Parker (1893-1967)
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.
Comment: An example of rhythm, using consistent end-stops, monosyllabism, and uses Trochaic ( RAzors PAIN you... ) meter rather than Iambic (which is more common as it more closely resembles natural speech) Note all lines are 4 syllables, except 6 and 8, which are 3 and 5, respectively. As a rhythmic dance, such as salsa, is still salsa with an extra step or kick, the rhythm of the poem is maintained even though the author did not follow the meter consistently, while maintaining the rhythm, as well as short dimeter (two foot) lines throughout.
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