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To most; a perfect gentleman

With a charming, winning smile.

I live alone on the outskirts of a small town.

I seem quiet and harmless,

But you’d be dead wrong.

Take the bait.

Break the ice.

It’s the last time you’ll be seen alive.

I keep a tight operation.

A grisly secret in the basement.

Under the dim light,

Many horrors to be seen.

Suspended bodies dripping entrails

Like an ever-flowing stream

Remove the genitalia;

Jarred and placed on display

Gut the corpse, split the ribs

Peel the fresh flesh away.

With the blade, begin to scrape.

Carve away the imperfections and veins.

Salt the hide.

Soak in lime.

Tan outside.

Stretch to dry.

Then decide:

Make a fine

Belt or lampshade?