The Light

“GUILTY”, was the ominous word that rang out,
Among shrieking and howls and cheers and shouts.
“Guilty for murder in the first degree,
You will be restrained and you will not flee.”
A shiver ran though my body as his verdict was told,
And I felt faint as his words made my blood turn cold.

But in my mind I formed a plan to be free,
I could just run they would never catch me.
I could punch the bailiff and knock down the guard,
Then jump through the window and down to the yard.
Then I’ll steal a car, that’s no tall order.
I could head down south, south to the border.

YES, that's what I’ll do, I’ll show ‘em who I am,
They couldn’t stop me; I’ll get out of this jam.
That’s when my mother started crying and I could hear her pray,
“Lord, please forgive this woman whose son has gone astray.
I didn’t do enough to teach him right from wrong,
He never read your words or sang your joyful songs.

Lord, visit him in prison and teach him of your heart.
Teach him of the mercy and the forgiveness you impart.”
Her words made me frozen and my feet wouldn’t move.
I never wanted her to hurt or to even disapprove.
So, when the guards came to take me I didn’t struggle or fight.
For the first time in my sorry life, I believe I’ve seen the light.