the contract

the worm in the heart of the apple

is a talented fellow.

with orange-scented gloves

he passes out candy and coin

from the back of a black-windowed van.

he knows all the prices

for willing apprentices.

want a vote in committee, a real estate deal,

a slippery ride with a ukrainian teen,

with a promise of utmost discretion?

he's your prince, your spool of thread

leading your way from the maze.

between that first step and last stumble

when the thread in your hand

thickens to rope round your neck

and he's got a surprise

to put down your throat

the time to pay interest

has come.

all the liquidity you craved,

risk to exposure deferred,

the wholesale prices you got,

were expertly served

with fingers crossed

under the root of his tail,

which now slithers around to the front

with the contract which says

kneel and deliver,

or i'll have your eyes on my fork.