Contributor: Joseph Farley

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Blood must not be spilled when the earth needs to be fed,
If the soil will not bring forth green crops, the shedding of blood is appropriate.
Sprinkle three drops in each furrow before and after each seed is planted..

Sanctify the victim before the incision is made.
Do not kill by intent; let all who would nourish the soil give of themselves.
Only choose a victim if no one steps forward.

Choose by lots or by combat.
Let no man or mother gift a child.
Only those who are of age may make the sacrifice.

And send no poets, musicians or wall flowers.
They have eaten so much of themselves
that there is precious little left to feed the gods.


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Joseph Farley edited Axe Factory from 1986 to 2010. His books and chapbooks include Suckers, For the Birds, Longing for the Mother Tongue, Waltz of the Meatballs, and Her Eyes.

Contributor: Joseph Farley

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Don't get excited by your execution.
It and your life before was never really more
than a display to distract your fellow travelers
on this road trip going nowhere;
for that you get a standing ovation.
Now move along my child,
the gallows can't wait longer.
There are many in the show
and you are not the only star.


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Joseph Farley edited Axe Factory from 1986 to 2010. His books and chapbooks include Suckers, For the Birds, Longing for the Mother Tongue, Waltz of the Meatballs, and Her Eyes.

Contributor: Joseph Farley

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Well, maybe he's not that friendly.
or maybe he is,
but you feel there is something odd about him,
the way he sometimes doesn't speak,
or stares at people or things or nothing at all
for longer than makes you your comfortable.
Just understand it is all part of the process of reverie.
The image is planted in the brain.
There it takes root and grows into words.
That must be followed wherever they lead,
even if the lines that sprout make the neighbors
sweat and squirm.
Hell, that's probably what he is hoping for.


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Joseph Farley edited Axe Factory from 1986 to 2010. His books and chapbooks include Suckers, For the Birds, Longing for the Mother Tongue, Waltz of the Meatballs, and Her Eyes.