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“The Risk Assessor's Audit by Stewart Stafford An actuary at the butcher’s table, Serpentine watch-chain, strung as a noose, Each second, costed with surgical élan, Logging the theft in Babel columns loose. The paper catacomb lies crumpled, Its tenant, a doorway hobo in arrears, The knowing leaseholder's smile worn, Who'd changed the locks on all the years. The mutilated currency of memories, Clipped coinage set for melted dooms, Dried blood trickles in the hourglass, Turnkey guardian of vast, derelict rooms. © 2026, Stewart Stafford. All rights reserved.” — Stewart Stafford
The Risk Assessor's Audit by Stewart Stafford
An actuary at the butcher’s table,
Serpentine watch-chain, strung as a noose,
Each second, costed with surgical élan,
Logging the theft in Babel columns loose.
The paper catacomb lies crumpled,
Its tenant, a doorway hobo in arrears,
The knowing leaseholder's smile worn,
Who'd changed the locks on all the years.
The mutilated currency of memories,
Clipped coinage set for melted dooms,
Dried blood trickles in the hourglass,
Turnkey guardian of vast, derelict rooms.
© 2026, Stewart Stafford. All rights reserved.