juris prudence

a man sits
trembling, trembling
wringing his hands
sweat beading

where once there was a man
now there is none

another man stands
elocuting, shooting
conspiratorial, senatorial glances
at preyed eyes

where once there was a man
now there is none

peers stare
lips pursed, eyes dark
countenance morose
with duty

where once there was a man
now there is none

a raven robe flutters
yet granite-faced
as conviction falls
from parched lips

where once there was a man
now there is none

a mother screams
then to her ears
the world falls silent
and still