GALLOWS GAMES
Until my nerveless fingers let a rope run free
I hanged
No less than any victim of the gallows tree
I swung.
From a ladder turned, with neck in well-formed noose
I strangled.
From self-appointed fate I'd no excuse
I fainted.
Curled on the floor beneath that dreadful beam
I woke.
The rope beside me proved it was no dream
I lived.
I'd hanged, I'd swung, I'd strangled with no pain
I trembled
One day I'd climb that ladder's steps again
I sighed
Once more I'd thrill to learn the gallows' dance.
I grimaced
Mayhap I'd lose in that dread game of chance.
I smiled.