A Good Death

A Good Death

(By Walter Beck)

I died a good death

Didn’t I?

I made a statement as nice and clean

As anyone under the guillotine.

I died a good death for you;

So you could sweep up the remains

Before the gold shoulders

Knocked on your door.

I took your honorable mentions

And consolation prizes;

I accepted the half-hearted rumors

Of a good fight on my behalf.

I died a good death for you;

So you could retire in glory

And move your ten-pound pretty boys

Up the line.

I died a good death for you

So you couldn’t the broken strings squeal

On my way out.