The

Cost

of

Justice

I should like

to be able to love my country

and still love justice

Where is one

to stand

Over here

or over there

From

Lady Liberty to Lady Justice

Symbol

in my country of

a Greek goddess

Blindfolded by

a sheer silk scarf

That often needs re-tightnening

So she

can turn her head

Politics

Wealth

Fame

Isn’t she a well known name?

Nevermind that

Sword

enforces respect

Double edged

Kill and Protect

There is no ‘or’

Scales

meant to balance

Our past

Making

invisible weights

Reminds me of an American store

Coincidentally called Justice

Everything

is always on sale!

70% off 80% off

This is really a steal

...but

Did you see the price tag of

the original

Hike up the price

To offer a deal

because

That...

Is

the American way.

Might I now say

that American store

has consolidated and sold out

to a large chain.

My cry for justice

More a soniferous wail

What will the justice cost

Is the ultimate tale

There was a time

in my life

I sought out justice

I fought for wrongs

to be right

Left me to begin

the life of a single mom

Over 10 years

Every day

Every night

Pick up and drop off

Project supplies to buy

Musical instruments, costumes and uniforms

Sickness

in the middle of the night

Anger

then fueled

determination

Determination

then fueled

my day to day

Faith

is what carried me

All that way

I was justified

It had to be done

Then why, years later

When I look back

I recognize and cry

For all I missed out

Never missed a play, performance,

activity or a game

But what

my justice cost me

Was time

with my kids

I have tasted

the other side now

Never will it be the same

Losing again would be such a travesty

"Dat be jammer"

(what a shame)

Replayed

I just

don’t want to do it

Again.

When

justice

speaks

she says…

I simply

need

Him.