San Quentin Mass

So clasp the rigid steel his limbs around
And make him ready for his last affair:
An eye for eye the futile law's demand,
Greedy to grasp its unheroic share.
And even worms in this mean deed denied
Jollification, knowing: "This man died
Fulfilling something that was meant to be,"
Partaking of their part of his Eternity. . .

But no:

"He hath no place in life, who doth its laws abuse;
And whoso life doth take, his own must lose. . . "
His saga sung, dash down the blighted cup—
Then switch death on and watch him shrivel up.

—A.V.