Looking out: From the courtroom

From the courtroom

By Brandon Astor Jones

Out of habit and emotional necessity today, I have been reading some very poignant poetry in an attempt to soothe my soul. I have also been listening to at least one very angry and vindictive death-wishing juror. Being on trial for my life is emotionally draining. I have started an essay, about what took place in the courtroom, no less than six times, without producing one paragraph that made sense. Since I am unable to write a column at this time, I will share the words of others that are affecting me deeply at this moment.

Life

... Along life's journey
there are many experiences

to sharpen and
feed our senses'
hunger for all emotions ...
with glimpses of hope and despair]
we act accordingly
to grow or diminish.

Dianne Maree Barnes, West Sunshine, Victoria

Write Something Beautiful

Write something beautiful
he said
write of love and beauty and sweetness
never mind all this political
doom and gloom
I smiled, agreed
and instantly thought
of a young man
dying amidst
the enemy
&
the shite
&
the fear
and still knowing the meaning of dignity.

Karen Thomson, Glasgow, Scotland

A Potential Juror's Expressed Anger

"You are going to hang. You are going to hang!"

From GLW issue 292