Witness To A Song Poem by Frank Bana

As Bob is witness to his songs performed
By Dylan, I am witness to this little song
Busy being born and read.
I am not lost, nor dying more than anyone
Is dying. I can testify for those alive
Despite my crime, if it should come
To taking of the stand. I am the evidence.
I do not need to speak to be condemned
By songs for you I’ve sung, by poems
I was compelled to write ‘neath life’s duress:
They suffice to assure my fate, without defence.

Ten miles out of La Guardia, recalled
From high mid-air, and hustled off the plane.
Handcuffed to a metal chair, taken down in chains
To Rikers Island, facing water, the UN.
Brought to my accusers, long in waiting lain,
On charge of being a witness, silent,
Absent while the post-war crimes prevailed.
And now I face the music that I wrote
The words I could have chanted fearless
From the rooftop gardens
Through high office windows, but
Attesting to my little song, I failed.