Forget everything you know about being human
save for anatomy.
Rely on childhood memories
of injuring small animals.
If it can hurt you
it will hurt them.
If you're squeamish
wear earplugs.
Sunglasses
mute the blood.
Take it
one step at a time.
Don't allow anticipation
to ruin your moment.
They always confess.
There's never any doubt.
Yet for you it must be
about the journey.
Richard Peabody
is a French toast addict and native Washingtonian. He has two new books due out this fall--a book of poetry Speed Enforced by Aircraft (Broadkill River Press), and a book of short stories Blue Suburban Skies (Main Street Rag Press).