Final Performance
Stripped of clothes and worldly goods
As the raven stands on watch
Shaved and washed and sterilized
A cloth place over my crotch
My limbs bent, flexed, and body massaged
I am prepared for my special day
My eyecups in placed and mouth sewn shut
My features are set in this way
Through the right common carotid artery enters my fate
The icy liquid starts to flow
From the right jugular vein, finality secured
The raven takes flight with my soul
The trocar enters like a swordsman’s blade
Piercing my organs deep
An aspirator takes with it the last signs of being
No secrets inside shall I keep
Alas I am bathed then dried once again
My makeup put on and then dressed
This will be my final performance on life’s stage
Therefore, I must look my best
~ Arnold Bailey