With All Reputations Intact

A Nobel Peace Prize winner,
Known in circles for his brain,
Works late one night, eats dinner,
And then jumps before a train.

A housewife has five small cubs.
She adores them so, so much
She drowns each in a bathtub
So the devil will not touch.

A reverend so holy
Rapes a girl in a parking lot.
He slits her throat slowly
Because God’s wrath she has brought.

A schoolboy’s so popular
Classmates say he lacks allure.
He thanks them by going far.
The reward is massacre.

A husband loves by scorning
(Never been caught—so clever!)
Lies in bed the next morning
With both of his heads severed.

A thirsty wallflower
Wants to quench her thirst with bleach.
Each party guest passes her;
She smiles kindly at each.