Jennifer Proxenos Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

Judge and Jury

JUDGE AND JURY 

Condemned by judge and jury,
All I felt was fury,
That’s me,
Now all I see
Are four high walls,
And all I hear,
Are the prison guard’s
Loud  calls!
I exist in just a
Tiny space,
I’m counting days,
This torment must
Now end and I must
Leave this human race!
My hopes collapse,
A few more hours,
Must still elapse.
I’ve seen that “place”,
Murder is my case.
Oh God, it’s only
I to blame,
My whole being
Feels aflame!
I have been bad,
For that I’m sad,
So I confessed,
I thought it best,
For now my soul
Should rest.
As chained and handcuffed,
Shuffle to my death,
Where I will take
My final breath,
I see the priest,
He sees my 
Fear filled face,
He looks again,
With love and nods,
I know now,
That I have His grace,
I feel no fear,
But for a 
Wasted life,
I shed a tear!

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Gershon Wolf November 8, 2018 at 3:40 PM Somehow, Charles Darnay and Sidney Carton come to mind...While the denouement is different there, the feeling of Hope at the end marks both (that novel and your poem). ~ A Dickens fan Jennifer Proxenos November 8, 2018 at 11:17 PM Thank you Gershon for your awesome comment! This is a relatively older poem of mine, but one of my favourites. The sentenced man leaves this world content as he has confessed - so sad though, that he didn't think that he was about to waste his life and of the consequences just before he commited the crime. Hindsight is often too late! Best Wishes, Jennifer

November 1, 2018 at 1:37 AM A very deep, feeling poem Jennifer. At least he confessed and felt remorse for the deed he did. Glad he was able to set his soul free. Kim Jennifer Proxenos November 1, 2018 at 7:41 AM Thanks Kim,Indeed he did, and he felt at peace with God. Perhaps the death sentence is severe, but world wide prisons are so full and a great percentage are murderers what should the country do, give them a 15 year sentence and then they come out and commit the same crime all over again? An excellent subject for debate! Best regards, Jennifer.

Paul Callus October 31, 2018 at 2:11 PM In these lines you manage to include a whole narrative, Jennifer. Flashbacks run across the page, highlighting the main moments which led to such a tragic end. It's heartening to know that even in such a situation, one still stands a chance of repenting and facing death with courage and grace. ~ Warm regards // paul Jennifer Proxenos October 31, 2018 at 2:33 PM Thank-you Paul - you have great depth and insight. He did get the chance to repent, and faced his end bravely knowing he had His grace. Warm regards, Jennifer.

Caren Krutsinger October 31, 2018 at 1:52 PM I like the rhythm of this, Jennifer. I sang it to myself. The look exchanged at the end was exactly what the poem invited. Jennifer Proxenos October 31, 2018 at 2:38 PM Hi Caren, Yes the look was everything! It culminated in his going to Him peacefully! Glad you liked the rhythm and the poem. i enjoy your writes always. Best wishes, Jennifer.

Sand Blown October 31, 2018 at 1:21 PM good write...lots of feeling..... the death penalty is primitive...there are better ways and means... eg.sweden Jennifer Proxenos October 31, 2018 at 1:29 PM Hi Sand, Many countries and in fact, in some countries, certain states, have abolished the death penalty. I do agree with you to a large extent, but if I was a relative of the victim, I wouldn't be too forgiving..... xoxo, Jennifer

Carolyn Devonshire October 31, 2018 at 12:50 PM I've always wondered what goes through the minds of those who are condemned to death. Through your depiction, it appears this inmate thinks only of his own fate without expressing remorse for the life or lives he took. Compelling writing, Jennifer! Hugs, Carolyn Jennifer Proxenos October 31, 2018 at 1:24 PM Thanks for your comment Carolyn. Guess he was concerned about his predicament, he was going to die after all. However, one presumes that the priest spoke to him about remorse, (it's just a poem) and that is why they gave each other a knowing look - he hence died with peace in his heart, and not forgetting he had confessed, so that his soul should rest! xoxo, Jennifer

Rico Leffanta October 31, 2018 at 12:34 PM But it NEVER ends, karma sees to that! Another great write, Jennifer! Aloha! Rico Jennifer Proxenos October 31, 2018 at 1:48 PM Hi Rico, What goes around comes around and unfortunately too many criminals escape justice. Karma however does see to that, well said. Thank-you for your comment. All the best, Yasou! Jennifer.

Tom Cunningham October 31, 2018 at 12:34 PM A harrowing verse Jennifer, there is always regrets that come too late, a fit of anger or bad judgement, but the crime must be paid for. And yes a waste of life. Tom. Jennifer Proxenos October 31, 2018 at 1:38 PM Hi Tom, Yes an absolute waste of life - he wasted his and the life of his victim. Thank-you for your comment Tom. Best wishes, Jennifer.