A pale smiling mask appears to melt into teal wax beside a small gold pin on cream ground.

Original artwork, not a still

Unfortunate Coincidence

Dorothy Parker

By the time you swear you’re his, Shivering and sighing, And he vows his passion is Infinite, undying – Lady, make a note of this: One of you is lying.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Parker's little poem warns that vows of love come with a catch. When one person swears devotion and the other promises endless passion, she says, someone is lying. It's a cynical wink at how grand romantic promises can hide untruth.

Context reviewed

Share this quote