an interesting demise

it's an interesting

book

about how poets and writers

have died.

some through

no fault

of their own, 

disease or accident,

but many

by their own hand,

selecting

bridges

to leap from,

or ovens to gas

themselves, pills,

guns,

and sharp

knives.

indulging in alcohol

is also a very

popular way to die.

i've been extremely

careful

ever since reading about

Sherwood Anderson's

demise.

a martini toothpick

with an olive

stuck at the end,

swallowed

and stuck halfway down

his pipe.