10

That children's game we once played
     scissors glass stone
          some bend, some break

Write words on paper
     wrap them round a stone
          throw them at the scissors

Or scribe the words on glass
     throw *that* at the scissors
          a different game

Poor sad scissors, they never win
     but it's easier
          when you play by the same rules

<<<

22

     Paper words. This sinister game,anonymous scrawl that dictates the next move. Tick, tick nervously waiting as destinies are selected from out of the hat.

     Suddenly the lights go out. Obfuscation. Dim shapes as eyes adjust. And though all rules are there to be broken entrapment exists.

     Sick fear or the thrill of terror. The body count rises though no one bothers to question the motive. Such issues may be dealt with later.

     Outside the night sky is serenaded by the beating of wings. Four, five, six crows circle, settle in judgement. But it's only a game, isn't it?

>>> 1