| in the bad old days | so they tell us |
| the obsidian knife | flashed in the sun; |
| high on the steps | red to the elbow |
| appropriately dressed | the senior priest |
| solemnly turning | showed to the people |
| the severed heart | glistening, twitching |
| and in sonorous tones | pitched to carry |
| assured the nation | of divine approval |
| kindly weather | a sufficient harvest |
| only hours since | the bombs started falling |
| the radio announcer | not quite chirpy |
| with cautious cheer | informed the world: |
| in response to the war | the markets are showing |
| signs of a rally | a sufficient harvest |
| red to the elbow | well aren't we all |