a sort of wager

this is the place where odd and even meet

in point of fact there is a choice of gloom

in how and when the fire will best consume

each one of those who dares not to retreat

before the voice that speaks of death and doom

this is the place where odd and even meet

another sort of messenger might greet

any who comes to open up the tomb

to sweep it out with an old-fashioned broom

this is the place where odd and even meet