Isn’t it a tragedy a pity a shame
the reason we’re all here today
waiting for the detective to leap on the table like
a Labrador eying the Christmas turkey crying
murder like a Labrador hit
by the screen door slamming on this
slow summer day the crowd
is bored and stomachs
hunger for the promised
red velvet cakes and pomp and champagne
and the groom doesn’t show so the bride
helps herself to a piece
of cake.