I walked, light-hearted
Towards the glimmering future
That awaited me
In the center of the red-brick town.

An aspirationless man wrapped in rags
Sat on the stone steps of the
Theatre, a sorrowful tune
Escaping from his reed.

I waited, not to cross the
Glorified threshold that sits on
The golden horizon opening its
Gates only to those deemed worthy, but for

The sweet and infinitesimal
Oblivion that would follow
Soon after my slate
Was wiped clean.

Unbeknownst to the audience,
I had not thrown myself upon
The earthen ground to beg
For divine mercy or absolution.

I counted on the town clock the
Seconds, minutes, hours
Until freedom had
Finally had been delivered.

I walked up the creaking steps
To the wooden stage with
Head held high, smiling,
Ready for my last performance.

A man appeared at my side.
He played his part well as
He placed the necklace
Ove my head.

Seeming to forget
His only other role for
The day, he paused,
Reluctance written on his face.

I nodded, urging him on,
But he paused a moment more,
Turning his head away
As if he couldn’t bear to watch.

The lever groaned against the springs,
Moving the boards beneath my feet.
  Applause sounded all around,
And I could hear nothing else.

A good, clean break.
One perfect snap.
Then I seemingly joined the crowd,
And saw as they did.

There hung a lifeless girl,
A peaceful smile on her face,
As the crowd cheered on,
Before the stage of the gallows.