Vienna Man Fined for Loud Burp

to belch

or not to belch

that is the question

whether 'tis nobler to suffer

the sinful side effects

of the doner kebab

steeped in spicy sauce

and cold sharp slices

of onion

churning

and rumbling

in the grumbling belly

when not to belch

denies that natural reflex

with visage blue

as the policeman's

uniform

there on the corner

notebook in hand

and pencil poised 

ready to swing into action

should the bodily gasses

loudly escape

into the realm of the fun park

offending the sensitive ears 
of the law 

which will surely lead to

the hand

on the shoulder

and the consequent fine

oh, the spirit is willing

but . . . the stomach . . .  the stomach

is weak . . . 

. . . BUUUURRRP!

O what 

a blessed release

from gastric discomfort

worth 

every cent 

of 70 euros

*

bardic burping footnote: in some countries, notably India where they have burping contests, a burp is a sign that you have enjoyed your meal. Australians are said to appreciate a burp, the longer and louder the better, but I don't know if that's true.