before the cuffs go on

when

caught we are all

apologetic, 

sorry,

so sorry we say.

i didn't mean

to speed

down this highway,

doing ninety in a

forty-five.

i didn't mean

to cheat and lie

on you, it was the booze

that made

me do it.

i didn't mean

to steal

that loaf of bread

from the store,

but i was hungry

and couldn't wait

in the long line.

we're all angels until

caught,

good people 

before the cuffs

go on.