Free

A short poem on true freedom.

​BANG
BANG
BANG
The sound of the gavel against the podium rings in my ears
My heart is racing
The judge reads the charges
LIAR
THIEF
CHEAT
The list goes on and on
I clasp my hands
Hold my breath
And hope against all hope
For a miracle
The judge asks how I plead
I swallow, nervous, fidgety
"Guilty" I answer
The jury discusses
The judge decides
"Verdict: guilty
Sentence: death!"
I fall to my knees
Head in my hands
A sob in my throat
Everyone rises and turns to leave
BAM
The courtroom doors swing open
There stands a man, robed in white
He lifts me up to my feet
Walks me forward and says loudly
"NO
NO
NO!
The price has been payed
Payed in full!"
The man shows the judge his hands
There are nail scars in both
He turns around and shows
Stripes upon his back
The judge is silent
The jury is still
I am frozen, unable to move or speak
The judge clears his throat
"Not guilty
FREE
FREE
FREE"