Your Worship Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Your worship

I handed my papers
-they bore names, case number
-with place of mistake; and the date

"Are guilty? You confess? "
-asked me the prosecutor
-she was White
-but not the court clerk
- (A Black who had her breakfast!)

"Yes, I do…guilty of humanity! "
-I replied, and in short explained:
- "Was helping a friend, crippled, or semi
-so, parked in that place…
-I was wrong to stop under sign…Disabled! "

Was ready with Merle's name
-and both of the numbers
-Esplanade Street

Were called to stand up
-came in judge
- now "Sit down! The court is in session."

Felt happy with what saw
-accented Black judge
-a Nigger or Negro or slave, Uncle Tom

Was proudly and loved to
-see shattered all those walls…
-since we are human, equal
-and why not?

Was ready to accept the judgment
-anything…
-and was too surprised when time came
-more shocking and foment
-was lady who knew nothing of English
-she spoke in Chinese, Mandarin
-court called for interpret
- "Your worship…drop case, " and I was off the hook