Asphyxia

He went over to his desk

and poured himself

a glass of ice water.

The execution was scheduled

for noon, and he wanted

it to start on the dot.

There was no talking allowed

on death row, so the men inside

did not make a sound.

In the center

was a steel chair

with leather manacles.

The two of them

walked out onto

the stage together.

It felt like the

inside of a cathedral,

vibrant with silent life.