Suicide Ii - Initial Version Of Open Verdict, Closed Book Poem by Jonathan ROBIN

The ageing coroner carefully cast
an open verdict there,
gently judged the soul that had passed
with voice even and fair.

Accidental overdose, it was classed,
but doubt will still be there,
the atmosphere was overcast -
self-murder in the air.

That treachery society must cast
poured through pores everywhere,
it shadowed the courtroom cold and ghast,
echoed by benches bare.

But that hurt hemlocked heart had heaved its last,
glassed eyes forever stare,
and Adam's scared sons rush past so fast -
not one has time to care!

(11 November 1977)