the piano will kill you
stiffen your fingers one by one
the piano speaks softly
purrs with each press until you’re done

now you never visit
how long ago was it?

too much time
past its prime
detuned

the piano will kill you
eighty eight mallets armed and aimed
the piano stands patient
cuts off your toe and has it framed
(mind the sustain)

i blame the ivory
poached, placed unrighteously

what goes around
breaks down
detuned

upright only in position
sick of its sole submission
too bad it’s always listened
blackmail’s its ammunition

lock the lid
run from your cavalier clavier
this is no time for bravado
plug your ears
don’t let his voice pierce through you
the last sound he’ll play is staccato