Hangman

 

Barefeet on asphalt

on a July afternoon

and midnight in December

are the two extremes

my heart goes through

when face to face

with the man

in the two way mirror.

 

Not because of the inquisitors

behind the scene,

rather what is right

before my eyes.

 

For that image

doesn’t tell the whole story

and therefore a partial lie.

 

Will those inner demons

watching on the other side

use that against me?

 

Though I know their punishment

will never be enough

to fit the crimes against myself.

 

So bring on the judge and jury

as I swear to tell the whole truth;

with God as my witness

if I am found innocent

I will appeal the decision

so the devil in disguise

can pardon me.

Reviews

[An owl on the moon]

You speak powerfully about the seasons of the soul... hot and cold existence... the good and bad of all that moves through our minds... Your words just pound a rhythm of life's mechanics...

[Tommy]

I always wonder about those who find comfort in playing jury from upon a pulpit of judgment. Eyes scorned of childlike innocence and a passion of love for all things purely wicked. Sometimes people fail to see the love, and focus on the sin that lies in every mans’ heart; thinking they have risen above humanity, as they scrutinize, forgetting their own transgressions of heart. I do not appeal to those eyes, as I turn the other cheek, telling them to embrace my fairer side. And they call it unconditional love, setting the conditions of forgiveness, one hand upon our heads, holding us outside the gates of paradise, forgetting the blessings their hands were meant for.

Ha Dale, you sparked some emotion, I love it!!!

Great Write!
RLG,
Tommy

[Leslie Philibert]

This is a very good poem,what I really like is the quote in the last verse,I like quotes and it fits well into the poem.I think Barefeet on asphalt is great too,could be the title of a poem by one of the beat poets, or a bit of Kerouac.The court room imagery is good too,there`s a lot of good things going on here.
(Just one point,If I may,I`m not too sure that being dead is cool.....I`d rather be a live nerd,and probably are,if you ask my children....)

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

excellent inner scapes brought to critical light~

[Kenneth The Poet]

Damn, this plays both sides against the middle so well.

[Poetic Beauty]

We often judge ourselves rather harshly. Sometimes when we look into the mirror and don't recognize the person who is staring back as us for many different reasons. We all have our own inner demons. Only God can judge us on those imperfections and faults. the wording is done quite uniquely which always draws my attention.

[Robbie~xoxo~]

This is very thought provoking... as the judge and jury watch on, the inner demons are contemplating.~
"Will those inner demons
watching on the other side
use that against me?

Though I know their punishment
will never be enough
to fit the crimes against myself."~ Well penned!

[Aidz]

1st stanza is sweet, I like the rest of the right just the 1st stands on its own