The hooves graced the stage And we artlessly digress Like a bed of scorpions Beneath turned stones Unhinged and entranced By the dance of flesh and bones. Stings tremble with anticipation Cowardly poised to poisonΒ Β Perfecting pretense for defense All scrambling for impunity Among misbegotten virtues And self-serving fidelities. The vassals to a bloodborne crown Trade nations for silken sheets Hoping that the toast of upheaval Could fill the hungry beast But the glass refills another round For a charade of witless relief.