please not another
bible verse showdown
slow down the counterpoint
the antiphons

in your eyes the divine
logic reveals itself
when the loser is at a loss
for the decisive crushing truth
sung in an ancient mode, hopefully hypnotically solemn enough to distract them from the embarrassing cracks leaking absurdity, cartoon stories of old:
thou art among camels, with flowing beard, in draping robes

quaint little drips and drops
no matter the lyrics,
the melody sounds like a forefinger scolding
and the random conclusion
takes a humble bow
warm applause for today’s winner

as if there could be no better ending
as if it always ends with the king being taken
as if it always ends with a check and a mate
as if the supreme puzzle always makes the same picture
even when it’s merely half of the pieces
forced in to fit
forced in to fit
not that the loser was flat out of quotes