Kangaroo Court Poem by Larry Lynn

[The defendant is notified of allegations.]

Sir:

You stand accused., hear ye, hear ye!
I have evidence cut and pasted.
You have abused me, long misused me.
My trust, affection, love - you wasted!

It does not matter how you plead.
Of your defense, I have no clue.
It does not matter; cry or bleed.
Based on the facts, I'm through with you

Signed: The Barrister

[The Barrister is notified by deposition.]

Dear Barrister:

I stand upon my honored word
against my own some stranger sent
to claim an echo that you heard
unknown, unseen - not what I meant.

I beg this court for speedy trial -
what evidence, presented, too -
extracted from some private file -
cut and pasted, sent to you.

Signed: Defendant, pleading.

[Two days have passed, no word from court -
a most respected entity.
No word, no note, nor fair report
no Caveats, judiciously
convened ad hoc by equal peers
defendant in a deep malaise
despondent that some ill appears
despite objections he might raise.]

[Defendant, waiting, still]


Dear Barrister, I do Object -
"Overruled, you are denied! "
"Exception here! I do Reject -."
"So noted, Sir, since I decide."

"May I not see by whom accused? "
"Denied! " she said without a word.
"How have I trust and love abused? "
"Guilty as charged! " No sound I heard.

Signed: Defendant from afar

[Defendant still waiting - still -]

[Another day has passed to night
Defendant waiting patiently,
awaiting to be heard, a right
denied him - prejudiciously.

Defendant has no right to mend
when judge and jury (separate? None!)
what tort or crime used to offend
is judged by jurist - injured one.

Alas, Defendant waits in vain
unknowing how he broke her heart,
denied by verdict, loud and plain -
"Guilty! Guilty! Now, depart! "

Signed: (voiceless, wordlessly) - Judge and Jury

Defendant sadly turned away
with nothing but the memory
with thoughts he had no chance to say
to dearest friend across the sea.

[Defendant, despondent, hoping, still.]