when they say the child is missing
do you at once know who to blame.

do you know guilt when you see it.  
do you know its color.  
do you remember its voice.

when the child is found dead do you think first of the smell.  
are you sickened.  

do you listen when they call the suspect’s name.  
do you mistake it for your own.  
for a name you know.

do you thirst then for justice or for punishment.

do you loathe the blindfold on justice.  
do you long to pull it off.  
do you see it as askew.
would you be willing to pull it off to feel better. 

if the word “guilty” is uttered do you feel warm.  
snuggly as dog in bed warm.  
cozy at home.

if the words “not guilty” are uttered are you unsatisfied.  
do you feel more unemployed.  
do you feel more broke.

do you imagine a better life if everyone were only to be punished as you desire.

do you know how a television works.

do you know how lethal injection is performed.  

did you see it on television.

do you long to turn on the television.  

do you want to pull the switch.

are you a victim.  

of course you are.