Alex Locke

Control Code

Control the slip, the cut, let this suffice

That pale quick-silver neatly falling, slick,

Needle-sharp those scarlet ribbons, blood on ice.

Caught by the blade, that cruel device

Replace: Intent to harm, desire to trick,

Control the slip, the cut, let this suffice.

Switch now the aim, contrast, precise.

The darkening spray and permanent click

Needle-sharp, those scarlet ribbons, blood on ice.

Now shows the palest crimson to entice

the threaded silver vein and code to flick-

-err – Control the slip, the cut, let this suffice.

Constrict the rhythm, form the code concise

as rivulets of warmth, the body tick,

Control the slip, the cut, let this suffice,

Needle-sharp those scarlet ribbons, blood on ice.