Jury Duty Poem by Randy McClave

I am one of the twelve chosen to decide another man's fate
If charged with the crime, the judge then decides the date,
It will be up to us twelve to decide of innocence or guilt
Then either his freedom is given, or his gallows will be built.

Today I was chosen to serve on jury duty
With another's person's guilt or innocence, I won't be snooty,
I won't vote him as guilty, because someone's hungry or tired
Nor will I vote him as innocent, as though being paid as hired.

I'll listen to the lawyers on why he should or shouldn't go to jail
I wonder if the feeling will be as though sending a soul to hell,
Then while we twelve sit listening and deliberating in the Court
Many families will look upon us, for their spiritual support.

It will take all of us twelve to render that one fatal decree
Either he will go to prison, or he will be set free,
And it will take only one of us to create a dreaded deadlock
So, I hope for jury individuals, and not followers in any flock.

Many will look upon the faces of myself and my fellow jurors
Deciding who amongst us are honest, and the true assurers,
Then I will think, as we a jury all get together and delve;
Remembering, that Judas was also once one of a twelve.

Randy L. McClave