your delicate frame was bent
in the act of beseeching contrition

like remorse was a mask to be worn
like penitence was a role to play

my opulent frame was bent
in the act of torturous punishment

like sadism was a game to be mastered
like a grudge could be beautiful art

your delicate frame was bent
in the act of  beseeching contrition

like mercy was a place we had visited together
like absolution was a time that you had marked in your calendar

my opulent frame was bent
in the act of humorous revelation

like it had taken you a year to realise
that there will be no reprieve here

................................
Reprieve
            Reprieve­
Reprieve
           Reprieve
................................
Life is so precious
when you're the one who's taking it.
I took the life of your friend
Again, again, again.
I'm contracted to take the hit
I know that makes no difference.
The lives you hold so very near
I'll take them from you dear.
................................
Why can't
            my mind
find its
     ease?
................................
I know the position you're in.
I was not born into this.
A hit was placed on my family and friends
to recruit my obedience.
I pretend to be normal
until my contract is signed
and the clever, chaotic side
unleashes on its next sacrifice.
................................
Reprieve
      Rep­rieve
Reprieve
      Reprieve
..............................­..
There is no way to say this
I'm a killer who warps the meaning of justice.
I'll die alone in a ditch
and laugh at my own hopelessness.
................................
I laugh
   at my
own mind's
     unease
................................
Reprieve!
­Reprieve?
There's no reprieve!
................................
Laugh!
Laugh!
Lau­gh with me!
................................