A Thousand Voices

Administer true justice, Zecariah 7:9

 

In the witness stand

The defendant sits mortified and stunned

Like a serpent, dust of the aged courtroom lingered on his tongue

The coarse hoary Bible beneath his fingers

Justice will be served

The prosecutor readily straightens his silver tie

He is quickly asking, asking

Regret prowls over the defendant’s dry mouth

He is deeply breathing, breathing

Justice shall be served

The lawyer asks the question

The defendant licks his cracked white lips

Silence slithers over the gathering that did whisper

Nothing was stirring, nothing was moving

Did you do it?

Justice can be served

Will the defendant speak the words of confession?

A thousand voices tell him to say no

That slight voice in the back of his head tells him,

Justice will be served

Yes, I did.

Author's Note

This poem was another poem for a writing class, I'm just searching through old files and putting them on here.

Reviews

[Brittany]

Great imagery. Liked the words and flow. Very good job. I can't believe you're only 13! Awesome job.

[open ended]

the imagery is very vivid. i could feel the dryness of the lips, the silence in the room, as well as the trepidation. nice poem!