The powder over her nose
Shines like a looming lighthouse,
Far in the distance shows the powder
The powder over her nose
Whiter than winter's snows,
Whiter far than the White House,
The powder over her nose
Shines like a looming lighthouse.

" Why do you powder your nose " ? I asked,
" Death white in a painted face, "
She answered gravely, " You don't suppose
That I'd be seen with a shiny nose
In a public place! "

" Though as large " said I " as a nose can be,
" And greasy, there still is hope,
The whitewash blazons it far and wide,
And proves the grease that you wish to hide —
Why not try soap? "