There were worse ways to die
in Mexico, 1917,
than the way Fortino Samano died.

By special dispensation
of General Álvaro Obregón,
Agustin Casasola was allowed to
photograph the execution
as a mechanical reproduction
of the restoration of order.

A sentry ripped the hat from Samano's head
before the gunmen lined up.
Minutes later, two soldiers dragged the corpse
across the courtyard,
dropped it in a ditch

But Casasola was a revolutionary, too,
and Samano conspired to appear
positively jaunty, so that it is even said
that it was Samano who gave
the glorious order to shoot.