Poems from the the Pen Poems from Death Row

DEATH BY INJECTION


Gruff manner, stoic faces, and strong hands about me Hold me ready for the ordeal Pushing me to and fro, Guiding me across the floor.

Sweeping me from perpendicular Quick movement, bright lights Harnessed horizontal Straps bind me, snug and tight

One arm out, and held tightly bound A sting and poke, skin pierced A look of vengeance around Sterile needle stuck and taped.

Quick gaze about Faces suddenly appear A final shout Witnesses come to see and hear.

Tubes snake into the beyond Moving rapidly along The first drug makes me yawn Images fade, nausea . . .

Bile has no time to arise The heart stopper Is sent to paralyze It is over.

Quickly, quickly, quickly, They move to sanitize Brutalize and humanize?
-Steven King Ainsworth Death Row, S.Q P.O. Box C-13201 4-E-81 Tamal, CA 94974

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