Denouement Unhitched

Magician bored with trick familiar Simple slip knot and pin worked a treat Letting him escape from tank on stage When dropped in with hands tied behind back. The slip knot and pin, hidden from view Meant that no matter what knot was tied In rope wrapped tightly around his wrists His escape was child's play, a dumb trick. But he was bored with the easy trick He sought the dangerous thrill and risk When his life depended on skill, not trick Deft fingers to loosen knots, wrists bound. He practiced ways to keep fingers free By ensuring enough wrist freedom Placing his wrists flat, his palms upright Swelling his wrists as the knot was tied. He made sure the length of rope was right So he could grab the ends dangling free His assistant winked twice for 'reef knot' Once for a 'granny knot', a key hint. Finally day dawned to perform live Without slip knot trick to save his life. The fear built up and tension tightened As audience member tied the knot. He was lifted, plunged into tank. As curtain dropped, he fumbled with rope Twisting and pulling, fingers straining His life in his hands, breath almost gone. At last the knot came undone, rope dropped He rushed to air as the curtains rose He had done has act for real, no trick Denouement fulfilled, knot unhitched.