BREAKING OFF
The old bass grins with a mended lip,
A zippered gash where a hook was ripped
Across the cartilage and out,
Taking a corner of the mouth.
She chose to spew the succulent bait
Rather than swim on a leash and wait
For the dull hammer thud on the head,
The knife edge sawing through the neck.
The old wolf lopes with a missing paw
On the stubborn bone she chose to gnaw
In a long cacophony of pain
And not like a docile dog remain
In the tender clasp of talons of steel,
Starving by inches on rancid meat,
Awaiting the bullet’s swift reprieve.
The best revenge is living free.
(Reutemann Road Poems 1960-1972)
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