Freed On Appeal

I can feel it, the hot sticky atmosphere A storm brewing, electricity and thunder I can see the clouds gathering, over the hills The dread of nature at its fiercest, most dangerous. I won’t sleep, not until it’s done I’ve nowhere to hide and nowhere to run You take off your coat, ask what’s for tea It’s normal, nothing out of the ordinary Yet, my heart beats loud in my ears, it knows A force of nature, deep in your heart, not outside I’ve done nothing wrong, yet the air is electric I can feel the change and spot all the signs You’re food is too hot and your tea too cold The kids too young, me too old You’re a bubbling cauldron about to explode Then you grab me pushed against a wall Your fist a club but I’m not allowed to fall Your frustration and anger is all I feel that day in court you were freed on appeal. David Cox 01/08/21