the gallows

these days
everyone likes
a good hanging.
there is no turning the other cheek.
forgive
and forget.
let's help this poor
confused soul,
put him on the right track,
his mother didn't love
him, his father
beat him with a rubber hose.
it's a genetic thing,
he was dropped on his
head when a baby. let's help
him.
no, the cry is,
hang him. let him swing
in the courtyard
where everyone can see.
what's the point,
he'll just do it again
when he gets out.
he's in the yard now,
lifting weights,
sharpening knives,
finding God to get out early.
he's conspiring with others
on how do it better the
next time and not
get caught.