Young Mr Stoker,
Re-insurance broker,
often dreamt of the stars.
More precisely, though not quite so nicely,
He dreamt of the endless shoals of risks
That danced and whirled about them.
Visions of tranches, their bright endless dances:
Subtle, fluid yet brisk
Of offset, adjustment
Actuary, abatement,
Agent, endorsement,
Affiliated risk.
He would find himself captive to the endless alternatives
The galaxies inherent in pure subrogation
The glorious options of affirmative defence
Young Mr Stoker,
Starry-eyed broker,
Deeply loved his work.