Skip to content
1842–1914

THE SPIRIT OF A SPONGE

Ambrose Bierce

I dreamed one night that Stephen Massett died, And for admission up at Heaven applied. “Who are you?” asked St. Peter. Massett said: “Jeems Pipes, of Pipesville.” Peter bowed his head,

Opened the gates and said: “I'm glad to know you, And wish we'd something better, sir, to show you.” “Do n't mention it,” said Stephen, looking bland, And was about to enter, hat in hand,

When from a cloud below such fumes arose As tickled tenderly his conscious nose. He paused, replaced his hat upon his head, Turned back and to the saintly warden said,

O'er his already sprouting wings: “I swear I smell some broiling going on down there!” So Massett's paunch, attracted by the smell, Followed his nose and found a place in Hell.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.