Immunity To a Death Sentence

Now the public library in our town contains the knowledge for mankind, 
and there’s not much happening ‘round the world, that I cannot find.
I can think of any subject that I like and tell Jenny what I’m after,
and she can find a stack of books that darn near touch the rafter. 

The library’s helped me countless times from days when I’m at school,
and I’ve become a handy man with books my back up tool,
but aside from books on lifestyle needs, on fiction some are geared,
and some authors write for little kids, and some write on the weird.

I’ve hired books about our history and read about some shocking wars.
Our garden is designed from books, and I’m obsessed with reading ‘Jaws’.
But crime became my new desire with cases filed from years gone by,
where Capital Punishment was handed down and why some had to die.

Description of the victims sent a chill right through my bones,
right to the guilty on death row with all their over-tones.
I read about their last few weeks, with how and why and where,
before they took their final walk to the electric chair.

One story written by a Warder based in a Southern US gaol,
is penned about a chilling case that for you I will unveil …
Leroy murdered seven folk; the warder wrote down in this book.
For twenty years appeals were held then Leroy’s goose was cooked.

When you’re with someone for twenty years, no matter what they’ve done,
you can form a slight attachment even if a fragile one.
So one week before that final stroll Leroy was asked by Warder Black,
if there’s something special that he’d like, and Leroy answered back.

“There is something I do desire - but it must involve me faithful wife.
“My wish is” Leroy grinned. “Is to eat her meatloaf now for life”. 
Well Leroy’s wish was granted and for three meals every day,
he ate the meatloaf that he begged for while the hours ticked away.

On the eve of Leroy’s execution there was tension being shown.
The corridors were creepy now with a ghostly eerie tone.
Forgotten were the seven victims - in the morning there’s one more.
Leroy must face ‘old sparky’ waiting down that corridor.

His final meal of meatloaf was brought before him on a plate.
Said Warder Black with teary eyes “You don’t look worried mate!”
Leroy laughed “I’m not my friend, that chair won’t kill me man.
If this meatloaf couldn’t do me in - I know that nothing can!”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Romios Avatar
August 2, 2020 at 8:36 AM
OMG a Fave.you artist. Your last line about killed me. Pangiexx
Laurie Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 10:01 PM
Hello Panagiota ... I had to grin at your comment Panagiota. The last line about killed you, but did it save Leroy - thanks again for your support Panagiota - Lindsay
Shaw Avatar
July 30, 2020 at 8:31 PM
Howl, bloody brilliant, you had me all the way with this one, a master of the Epic poem or even narrative there I think, made it my last one poem to read for the night so I can die laughing, poor old Leroy, maybe I will meet him up there, maybe not . . . : )
Laurie Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:58 PM
Hello Indiana ... I'm pleased that you enjoyed reading this poem, and seeing it was the last one for the night, you didn't dream about eating meatloaf - thank you Indiana - Lindsay
Schneiter Avatar
July 29, 2020 at 5:32 AM
Once you start reading a Lindsay Laurie poem, you can't stop. She quickly builds suspense, and you find yourself caught up in the plot and characters. I love Lindsay's poems. She has mastered the story-poem genre. Thanks, Lindsay. Hugs, Paul
Laurie Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:54 PM
Hello Paul ... thank you for writing a comment like this. I guess many of us writers over time put much or our effort into a certain genre of poetry, and do some fine work. As you know, mine is rhyming humour - thanks again Paul - Lindsay
Canerdy Avatar
July 26, 2020 at 7:33 PM
Lindsay, this is a true masterpiece--in form, plot development, descriptions, . . . Janice
Laurie Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:51 PM
Hello there Janice ... your comment encourages me to write more of these silly verses. I really appreciate what you wrote Janice - Lindsay
Leffanta Avatar
July 25, 2020 at 3:49 PM
I am impressed with your insight as well as your craft. Well done! Aloha! Rico
Laurie Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:48 PM
G'day Rico ... I wonder if Leroy asked for water from Lourdes as well, just in case the meatloaf failed him - always a pleasure to read your comments Rico - Lindsay
Proxenos Avatar
July 25, 2020 at 8:38 AM
Hi Lindsay, hope Jenny always comes up with the information you need - I love your punchline, Leroy's wife's meatloaf must have had potent ingredients, hope they work before they turn the switch! Talented write as always. Blessings, Jennifer.
Laurie Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:46 PM
Hello Jennifer ... miracles do happen, but not often when playing with electricity - thanks again Jennifer - Lindsay
Cunningham Avatar
July 25, 2020 at 4:03 AM
Haha, turn up the voltage watch him frizzle
Laurie Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:44 PM
G'day Tom ... fried meat loaf, to go with being fried. Nothing like being positive Tom - Lindsay
Ermine Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 9:34 PM
Brilliant! Yahh, build your immune system, death row escapee!! Well done (not burnt)!, Lindsay
Laurie Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:42 PM
Hello Sigrid ... belief and being positive right to the end must have amazed the guards - thank you Sigrid - Lindsay
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