Hello Sue - this is a bitter poem!  I felt it really picked up at the end
and was just a little lecturing at the beginning. I think you could start it
from:  Motives, whether of malice...

I love the lines about the misty veldt and the oriental carpets.

all the best

Catherine
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>Whether murder or manslaughter,
>the victim does not care,
>being quite dead either way,
>so one, wounded by the deliberate insult
>or what may be the result of ignorance,
>ill-breeding, bleeds just the same,
>although of course somehow to blame.
>Victims always are.
>Motives, whether of malice
>or stupidity, do not mitigate pain.
>The sting of sarcasm,
>the slight turning away,
>the cutting remark-- all these
>serve as well as hunter's bow or sling.
>The piranhas are gathering at the buffet.
>The dagger across the Haviland,
>the blowgun behind the potted palm,
>the poison in petit fours
>are as lethal as the one
>who lifts the ladle at the punch bowl,
>parceling out slander and strawberries.
>Amid the savannas, in the misty  veldt
>of oriental carpets and parquet,
>leopards slink and stretch,
>taking their time.
>Does intent or lack of it
>change anything?
>The dead grimace
>from the grave. Ask them.
>      Another canape? Oh yes, please.
>      Wonderful cheese straws!
>      A family recipe?
>
>Sue Scarf