The grandest fraud on man
Honey-coated worm-wood
A scented embalmed corpse
A gamble doomed to remorse.

Life-insured bubbles
Dreams that fake day
Falsehood clad in truth’s clothes
Counterfeited face of gladness.

Sweet deception in dim light
Hags passing for sweet seventeens
Tin glows like silver
Broken glass like diamond.

Irresistible in promise
Bitter in aftertaste
Bloating with excuses, betting
Next round satisfaction for sure.

Promises written on sand grains
On wind-licked desert plains
Offering gourmet dream banquet
On sinking luxury liner.