For Maxine Carr

Outside the court
Ferocious women clutch terrified children.
Their stones and eggs hit the fortified van.
You must have heard their ugly voices.
Have they never faced impossible choices?

Inside the tall cathedral,
The decent do what the decent can.
They combine to pronounce a resonant Amen
To words that they wish were true.
Did any of them pray for you?

Through a video link
You are seen as you blink
At the punishing world of official justice.
You wear a jumper patterned with Daffy Duck.
Maxine, I wish you luck.

Wayne Carvosso

If you've any comments on this poem, Wayne Carvosso would be pleased to hear from you.