Innocent Until Proven Guilty Poem by Matt Starking

Before you condemn me, hear my side,
Don't be too quick to judge, before you decide.
I'm not a criminal, I'm not a thief,
Don't make me suffer for someone else's misbelief.

Prove me guilty before you judge me,
Don't make me a victim of society's decree.
I am not a scapegoat, I am not a prey,
Don't punish me for something someone else did and they got away.

I have a voice, I have a right,
To defend myself with all my might.
Don't assume the worst, don't presume,
Let's make the truth our only room.

I am innocent until proven guilty,
Don't let your biases make me a filly.
I deserve justice, I deserve respect,
Don't let your prejudice make me feel like a reject.

So, I plead with you, please listen to me,
Give me a chance, and you will see,
That I'm not what you assume, not what you hear,
Prove me guilty before you judge me, don't let your fear.