Birth guarantees the cost of living unto an infant, maturity a market value made for the executioner’s price. Tax dollars absolve the bill for a beheading. Again. An executioner’s wage! Which appointed authority inked a receipt for death? How were the expenses calculated?

*

Art contributes to executions, but lacks the finesse afflicting capital punishment. 

Thus, masterpieces happen as frequently as the pendulum swings.

**

A profile greets their pillow, settled atop cool linen. 

Pupils invoke R.E.M. positions, blind to reality inside the Dream. 

Neck is crooked and only straight inside the guillotine.

***

Trigger finger light switch.

Pull

The

Rope. 

Eyes lowered, blade drops.

****

Another payment made to the executioner’s retirement fund.