HALLUCINATING AGONY

historical device 
replaced the axe and the sword
cruel forms of execution
by mechanical decapitation

death without torture 
standard form of capital 
punishment
ethical treatment of prisoners
animals beheaded as a test

equality among people
humanitarian purpose
heavy blade raised with a rope 
allowed to drop

severe the head from the body
intense suffering

unconsciousness was no immediate 
little impact on the brain 

spasmodic movements of mouth
living eyes looking at the crowd
expression of indignation
after the assassination