The Accused

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THE ACCUSED


Perhaps we could do worse

than be troubled by the trivial. 

But when the accusations are Big

and Vague enough to seem 

Serious—Failure to Sacrifice for Greater 

Good, Neglect of Civil Responsibility, 

etc., etc.—plead innocent or guilty 

(it won’t matter much,) then trouble yourself

only with just how vast is the invisible

multitude walking with you 

as you’re led out the dark door at

the back, shouldering your sentence of oh 

so very guilty, the judge laughing 

as he bangs his gavel and pronounces Joy

Joy Joy without parole.


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