The Way of the Coward

THE WAY OF THE COWARD

It was your kiss
that killed me
It meant not love
but death,
a refusal to refuse,
cold, calculated, controlled,
not too much to excite
either passion or resistance
but enough only
to keep your victim
ready for the death
he was to die
in a slow agony
of bitter pain
It was by your kiss
that you murdered me

© GERALD ENGLAND

Composed: Ackworth, 22nd January 1973

Publications

1973 Pennine Platform (UK)
1980 THE RAINBOW AND OTHER POEMS (Heckmondwyke, Fighting Cock Press)