So I'm told in times of old crowds came to watch thieves on a rope dance
With the industrial revolution came a new solution, invented in France
The guillotine a substitution, new means of execution, the people did rejoice
To face up or down by the order of he crown, the victim had a choice
With the king's order to comply, were three to die, engineer, thief and a priest
Thief not wanting to see the collision made his decision on all fours like a beast
Blade on its way, to the people's dismay, it stopped in mid fall
The law declared with this the victim was to be spared, to the crowd's appall
The priest, face down said he, to look at God's face I'm not worthy, the blade stopped half way
The grateful priest was released and promptly crossed himself and ran away
Then engineer said I have no fear, eye to the sky, I will face God unlike the priest
Before the blade was released the engineer said your problem has ceased, this track has to be greased
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Author:
sorenbarrett (
Online) - Published: November 3rd, 2025 03:11
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 35
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Comments9
Good write SB. This made me think of - there's the story of Joseph in Egypt, and a butler and a baker in prison who both have dreams. Joseph interprets their dreams, saying both their heads will be 'lifted up'. For the butler it meant being restored, 'lifted up' to his original place. The baker thought the outcome of his dream would be good too, but for him it meant his head was 'lifted up' from off him, and being put to death!
It may be the origin of the story Orchi. Thanks for the read and comment it is most appreciated
Oh! Oh!! Beautiful!
As a physicist by education and an engineer by occupation, I have to say:
Warheads and bombs, measured in megatons, for all I know, can be on their way.
Is it the engineers? Or he who rules and steers - to be blamed for this final dismay?
Thanks so much for the review and kind words. Excuse the delay in responses I somehow overlooked the review and have to ask forgiveness. Your continued support is most valued and cherished
death turned into a punchline. Felt like a mechanical parable.
Thank you so much for the read and comment yes sometimes one says too much.
This poem hums with gallows humor and precision craftsmanship. A parable, a joke, and a history lesson all at once…executed flawlessly, my friend!🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thank you so much my friend, it started as a joke, my brother being an engineer then went from there. I appreciate the read and comment
LOL! Knowing that definitely adds to it. Love it, my friend!
Where is an engineer when you want one.
Mind you, we're all engineers now.
But it's nice to know the guillotine has now been greased, and the next poor chap will be in the basket.
Thank you for your review Paul. Yes engineers seem to have an answer for everything even if it is to their own demise.
Leave it to the engineer to have to fix the problem no matter the outcome. A very clever, and darkly humorous write my friend, in perfect rhyme.
Thank you so much Bella for your review of this poem as always it is most appreciated
Ha, ha! I love it, my attention was immediately captured by the "engineer" portion and I'm so glad I decided to read it!
Thank you NingaGirl glad too that you read it. It is most appreciated
Intriguing words soren, being saved from death is the way to go.
Andy
Thanks Andy for your review and yes indeed 'tis true and sometimes we say too much.
This is so clever! I am taken by the contrast between fear, faith, and reason. They make the story feel like a parable, and that final moment where the engineer’s knowledge seals his fate is both ironic and darkly funny. A much enjoyed, sharp little poem that balances history with humour. 🙏🕊️
My friend your keen eye and sharp brain combine in a witty tongue and are only overcome by a heart that is too kind. Thanks for the support my friend.
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