The Ordeal
The court’s dragons are working overtime
which doesn't surprise me, for real.
Last week in the headlines we read old news -
former state policemen achieves third appeal
for killing his wife and two children.
Their murders are a twelve-year ordeal.
Already proven guilty by a jury twice
both long-drawn out states of affairs.
The second time, a jury also convicted
an accomplice and he too is behind bars.
Lawyers, looking for money, defense isn't free.
Lawyers are thanking their lucky stars.
Lawyers looking for evidence they can deny.
A series of affairs with women - inadmissible.
Reports of sexually abusing his daughter,
and the insurance just bought – inexplicable.
I feel we should leave this third time to chance
Let him out, scot-free, his life will be miserable.
Just maybe other dragons - equally demented as these
will put an end to his appeals, how despicable.
written April 17, 2013
Author’s Notes: Writing this piece, I learned an ancient meaning for ORDEAL: a primitive method of determining a person's guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under divine control; escape was usually taken as a sign of innocence; death - a sign of guilt.
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