I remember like it was yesterday. There were three.
I stood there, face pressed to the glass as I looked into
A room filled with chaos, joy, and plenty of frenzy.
I didn't understand the tubes, or why something so small
Took so long to finally come into this world,
But I was fascinated.
Dad was standing beside me and smiling.
He said something to me, but I was too
Entranced by you.

The nurses pulled you each up to the window,
That way I could get a better look.
My face contorted, and I felt confused.
I think it worried Dad just a teensy bit,
The way I was looking at you.
He leaned over me and asked,
"What's the matter?"

I wasn't sure what to say to him.
So I straightened my glasses,
Stared him in the eye,
And boldly said,

"My newborn brothers look like naked mole rats."

He walked with a swagger like I'd never seen
His hat was tilted to the side, his suit was keen
His lips curled into a smug smile
He asked me to sit and talk for awhile
He whispered, I blushed, and took his hand
The first time I had been close to a man

There was a kiss, a peck on the lips
He stroked my hair with soft fingertips
I had begun to feel a little sick
Every move he made was so slick
I soon would know it was all a hoax
But I couldn't resist his persuasive coax

The days dragged by like years on end
Every color in my sight began to blend
All things turned dark and gray
When he let go of my hand that fateful day
There were tears, and endless pain
I swore I'd never love again

Now the sweetness of his lips is sour
And sometimes I sit counting the hours
I wait for another boy to come my way
And maybe I'll sit and talk for a day
Because now that my expectations are low
I have become the black widow

There's this thing called love
And this is how it goes
First, you take a shot of poison
It's your choice which one!
There are several, after all
Arsenic, cyanide, strychnine
Take your pick, dear

Then you sit back and take a breath
Your veins start to burn, fire in your blood
Your heart speeds up a few beats
Will it rupture if it goes so fast?
Your stomach starts spinning--that's the nausea!
Try to keep it down, babe
The pain will subside soon

You're turning cold and clammy
You start to shake
You stop breathing
Are they looking your way?
Don't meet their eyeline
Just let your eyes roll back into your head
That's what you get for loving someone

The carnival is back in town
And all is buzzing with joy. The sound
Of children playing and crying
Fill the air. None think of dying
In such a lovely place,
But do not let your eyes turn toward space,
For this carnival plays the tune of
The Funeral March.

Speak not of the sound you hear
Late at night. Though queer,
You must ignore your fright
For there is no escaping the clutch
Of Time and cold Death’s touch.
Run away, run away while you still can,
You silly children. Listen not to the man
Standing at the gate for he only sings
The Funeral March.

Look away from the carousel,
Its beauty is evil, and only leads to Hell
And Death. Go forward or back,
But it makes no difference. It cuts no one slack
And takes no pay for its soul-snatching. Your tears
And screams are all its sustenance. Cover your ears
And look away, my dears. Do not dance to the tune of
The Funeral March.

Pay no attention to the sweet smell of cotton candy
It is only used to make coffins. The taste may be dandy
But the proof is in the poison. Come grey and old,
Then leave spry and young. If you are bold
You may live another day or year, but rest assured
They’ll be back to take you. Their sworn word
Is no good to your ears, because all you can hear is
The Funeral March.