“Most young [queens] get their heads cut off.” – Basquiat

Dee dee dum

beneath the bell bellows
organic strains announcing
her arrival

surrounded by the
Queen of Hearts soldiers
worshipping her glory
with putrid tongues warped
around the mouthpiece
Off with her head!

Dee dee dum dum

beneath the bellows
three valves
pitched
the lulls
of each blow
Dee

 

 

 

 

of each blow

Dee

Dee

Dum

the leadpipe snaps

blood rushes with

a sinuous grace

through

the water key

deliquescing into

a blackened crown

sanguine colors her robe

the fingers hook 

around her casket

as her calvary 

rages in fellowship

Dee dee dum

Off with their heads!

-for Shanquella