Murder

Murder has worn a bangle
Murder has worn a brace
Murder has worn a collar and tie
And a smile upon its face

Murder has blossomed in petticoats
Murder has come out in lace
Murder has togged up in rags and filth
From the midden to the market place

Murder has cavorted with idiots
Murder has flourished among fools
Murder has cultivated genius
Murder makes and breaks all the rules

Murder has blasted from a cannon
Murder has fired from a gun
Murder has been delivered with rapier and sword
With a nod or a wink or a pun

Murder has come wrapped in parcels
Murder has arrived in the post
Murder has been swallowed with cheese and wine
Murder has been served on toast

Murder has been committed by proxy
Murder has been agreed on by vote
Murder has been sent with roses
Ribbons kisses and a note

Murder has been done in a fit of rage
On the main street in broad daylight
Murder has been done with an icy calm
In the middle of the night

Murder has been done for money
Murder has been done for a fix
Murder has been done for good reason
Murder has been done for kicks

Murder feels safe in large numbers
Murder feels good on a hill
Murder likes a uniform and big heavy boots
A patriot's license to kill

Murder has worn a dog-collar
Murder has carried a book
Murder has worn solemn words and phrases
A sanctimonious look

Murder is fond of information
And has a tape-recorder handy to tell
Murder likes statements made in confinement
Murder wants a signature as well

Murder has clubbed with a feather
Murder can stab with a pen
Murder comes to all from curved keyboards
Caressed by good family men

Murder has often been whitewashed
Murder has been painted black
Murder hired this morning
Has already been given the sack

-John Garth Raubenheimer