he was
an unreticent disbeliever
a vocal minority
in the subvocal hymnals
that made him null

he swung
by his neck
in the hot summer breeze
from the uplifting branches
of the downcast trees

let the crows feast
as the crowds stand
watching in horrified curiosity
at another light snuffed
by the grinding of gears

the loving embrace
of the noose’s distaste
left him purple in the face
as life fled
with no trace