The Host Carves Last (Over Ominous)

[Verse 1] Name cards in calligraphy Gold ink still a little wet Crystal sweating poured red rivers Table long as any debt Centerpiece: the smiling host Apron white as winter fat Raising toasts above the platter Where himself already sat Apple bright between his teeth Lacquered skin and jeweled crack Steam like incense Skin like lacquer He grins from his own turned back [Chorus] Welcome to the eternal feast “Eat My friends You honor me” Every bite A quiet vow You’re more like the roast than you know now Polished kindness Sharpened knives “Stay Relax You’re safe inside” Horror dressed as courtesy This generous cruelty [Verse 2] First to change The anxious ones Napkins folded into frills Fingers fuse with silver handles Wrists grow ridges Candled rills Laughter sticks like sugared glaze Cheeks grow glossy Tight and pink One girl’s hair drips down her shoulders Threads of tallow Pale as drink Jokes about the “meaty spread” Someone slaps a marbled thigh Doesn’t see his own chair sprouting Hooks of bone beneath his tie [Chorus] Welcome to the eternal feast “Eat My friends You honor me” Every bite rewrites your face Trades your tongue for perfect taste Compliments to host and staff Till your jaw begins to crack Horror pressed in pleasantry This smiling cruelty [Bridge] He walks behind each upright guest [soft strings swell Room tone thickens] Lays a hand It sinks too deep Skin accepts him like warm bread “Tell me if you’ve had enough” Eyes avert They never say How to claim you’re satisfied When hunger keeps your seat in place At the far end Old aunt Agnes Pearl strand tight against her throat Vertebrae click like small plates Neck a trussed and tender rope [Verse 3] Conversation roasts the absent “Such poor taste Such little grace” As their tongues grow heavy Salted Words drip grease across their plates One man lifts his wine and notices Fingers browned A crispy cuff Smell of himself Familiar Thrilling Still he says “I can’t get enough” (oh) Children giggle Reaching Reaching Tiny palms now crackling skin One boy’s laugh turns to a whistle Air through ribs that show within [Chorus] Welcome to the eternal feast “Eat My friends You honor me” Every course erodes the line Who is served and who designs Raise your glass Repeat the creed “Take of me as I have thee” Horror baked in charity This cultured cruelty [Outro] When at last the chairs stand empty And the platters gleam and dry Only napkins Folded Waiting Ghosts of throats that once said “I” The host steps down from his own carcass Wipes his hands in linen shroud “Reservations for forever” Sets more places For the crowd