Do you have the death penalty?
Vital question, I would say
Since I've not yet thrown my lot in
Really, could go either way.

If I opened someone's throat up --
Windpipe, gullet, all the rest --
Would you strap me to a table,
Stick a needle in my chest?
(Can't abide the thought of needles.
Make me shiver something fierce.
Can't abide the poison dragging
Me down where no light can pierce.)

If I cut the spine and kept it,
Basted it, or made a sauce,
Would you sit me down and fry me
With a rush of buzzing force?
(Hear you wet yourself in that one.
Pain to make a hornet weep.
I already feel it stinging --
What a way to go to sleep.)

If I stuck a little blade in,
Till I'd put on gloves of blood,
Would you slip a rope scarf on me,
Let me kick above the mud?
(Gutter, choke, and drown a little,
Popping eyes and face of blue;
Momentary flying feeling
Far from worth the greying view.)

Since I've not yet thrown my lot in --
Really, could go either way --
I suggest you answer quickly.
I might just begin today.