Stamp once, then twice, lead out men and mice.
In line they follow, no nose or eye to warn them,
Forego the trap, all ready your vice.

Cry stones on pillowed shore and turn sunlight to ice.
Wring stomach, fat, till thinly crucified they clem,
Stamp once, then twice, lead out men and mice.

Lift up silken bowls of blood, lapping tongues they entice,
And snatch the teeth from men whom you condemn.
Forego the trap, all ready your vice.

Climb out from your carapace and stand in fields of lice.
Blind the ear of him smelling the clandestine mayhem,
Stamp once, then twice, lead out men and mice.

Forsake the scalpel, sharp wit suffice,
Between the mind and soul place a vulgar hem.
Forego the trap, all ready your vice.

Plant a tiny seed, which grow in an infinite trice;
Rot of thee, blossomed from the wanton stem.
Stamp once, then twice, lead out men and mice;
Forego the trap, all ready your vice.

(First appeared in Cathexis Northwest Press on March 1st, 2025)