Ambrose Bierce

24 June 1842 - 26 December 1913 / Horse Cave Creek, Ohio

Rejected

When Dr. Charles O'Donnell died
They sank a box with him inside.

The plate with his initials three
Was simply graven-'C.O.D.'

That night two demons of the Pit
Adown the coal-hole shunted it.

Ten million million leagues it fell,
Alighting at the gate of Hell.

Nick looked upon it with surprise,
A night-storm darkening his eyes.

'They've sent this rubbish, C.O.D.
I'll never pay a cent!' said he.
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