Author's Notes: To attempt to mimic Shakespeare is a very dangerous thing, and that is why I have not done it. I've just borrowed his characters for one little poem, and I plan on giving them back promptly. There are quite a few references to the text in this, and it would help to be rather familiar with it, although I do not think it is necessary. Feedback is greatly appreciated!

A Plague o' Both Your Houses!

He laughs at life
Life laughs with him
Fate falls before them

His blade is smiling
Dancing through the air
A fiddlestick indeed

His opponent has nine lives
Though he is as lifeless
As his rigid rapier.

Thrust, parry, thrust
Impossible to predict
Predictably impossible

He knows he will win
After all, he always has
Tease the cat a little longer

Those who live most
Are the first to die
Romeo. A blade. Blood.

So young, so invincible
He does not believe in death
But he is dying, he is dying.

'Shun death and dreams
And you shun life and truth.'
Fate taunts him as he bleeds.

Blame friend and enemy alike
But do not grant fortune
The curse she craves.

Die now, good Mercutio
It is what you lived to do
Love life, and love death too.