Oh weep for the executives, who had both wealth and power -
And none of it could save them, when came that darkest hour.
Who spent themselves in luxury and grasping boundless greed -
Forgetting to invest in things they soon would quickly need.
From their ranks came the traitor that doomed us one and all -
He loosed a ruthless goddess and he then became her thrall!
There is blood upon the chandelier, there's blood upon the walls,
The highborn perish just like us, as one by one we fall.
I wonder, when they recognized the sudden mortal threat,
Their failure to prioritize at last caused great regret.
As you held the hand of dying friend, so helpless and afraid,
Perhaps you wished you'd thought before to buy some more first aid?
Did rare perfumes suffice for when no showers could be had?
Or fine foods just as tasteful when you ate with just your hands?
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Could you block a deadly laser blast with silver serving tray?
Or with your fitted leather shoes, run quicker on your way?
What of your massive bank account you thought so safe on Earth?
Did it buy a ticket off this hell? Or purchase safer berth?
When guts were strewn upon the floors, when people fled in terror -
Did you wish you'd bought protection and regret your gravest error?
The suits of silk and satin that you wore unto the last -
Tell me, did they stop claws or fangs? Perhaps a shotgun's blast?
And if a mutant, shambling, staggered through your very door,
Did you strike it down, victorious, with a corporate award?
For in the end it seems to me we all were equalized...
In that we all are doomed aboard this station here to die.
But some had far more chance to life than those without a single penny,
And yet for what they might have done, their wealth did not help any.
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"Blood upon the chandelier"
Original poetry; author unknown.
Written medium, ink pen on linen napkin, set of 4.
A personal message to the mother of diseased is written on the reverse side of the 4th napkin. (not shown)
Citadel Memorial artifact #20