I did not know
the fact, simple as toast
or indeed a slice of bread
uncooked — I did not know
that a pitch headed for the head
could possibly maim or kill
but more likely could simply cause
a headache more or less severe —
which, if given a chance,
would gradually, eventually bring about
bleeding that might cause a death
suddenly unbidden:
a piece of toast or bread
of one sort or another
that would someday do
itself proud —
a slice of gentle food
rendered poisonous which started
innocently like a casual ball
tossed, one that started its progress
years ago and made all watching
shake their heads and wonder
at the long grinding spectacle
of dying at the end
of a shortened life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
onward,
T