Mind-body problem

Hangman, axeman, split-
Second punisher, murder
Impulse: thwack, dead.

Strike at the source:
A sledgehammer
Straight to the dome.

Bench-vice, steamroller,
Is that brain or tongue?

Or more slowly: guillotine
Carpenter, garden-shear
Sharpener: snip, oops, dead.

O long rage vigil --

Groin crush, teeth gnash,
Dented headaches, mangled cars:
One, detonate, dead.

Pianowire, claycutter:
Troutface asphyxiation...

I have you. You are in my mouth.
Finger by finger, I peel your hand
From my throat. The burning
Guillotine drops its blade into ash.

The axeman bends to the block.
I lift his hood. My lips are a gun.
And kiss my executioner.