This poem is called "The Loveliest Woman in Altoona,
Iowa," Tonight, the loveliest woman in Altoona
is giving herself to a dry cleaning apprentice
beneath swings in City Park.
His mustard breath, his life is crystallizing
as he manipulates her loins, imagining competence.
And then it happens.
Her coveted eggs rush through the Earth
like small ecstatic animals and the Midwest contracts
in horror.
There is hardly a place to stand.
The entire village has gathered to confirm
the mayor's prediction.
Gabriella and Barnaby have come to an evil end.
[LAUGHTER]
Smoke, water, and sirens malign the sky.
Surely it will be broadcast soon that all is under control
and the elders will sigh thinking
they too are under control.
Though their lives were exposed to a crime of passion,
come see the people rise.
[APPLAUSE]