Salem, Mass.

He became happy and clutched his heart, 

Feared the looming scaffolds above, 

He broke into a sweat, began to leaf 

Through his Bible looking for a verse. 

My life has had such variety I can’t say if 

This sadness will honestly lift with spring. 

Anymore, his executioner gloated from 

Beside him as they pushed into a saloon. 

The Mafia Bosses took up the corner table, 

The waitress with the tip jar trembled with love. 

If I’d known a single fact, my life would 

Have been like a dream of old Salem, Mass.