Patriotic the summons
citizens reporting had much in common
there was some joviality
which became mixed with more anxiety
as a verbal orientation
followed by a TV presentation
made it clear this was a serious matter.

Impressive the Judge's Courtroom
all stood in deference to his Honor
as he set out to introduce his Court,
explain the case, sequenced the order.

Some jurors with problems
were excused as was the custom
others were seated though
the process was not yet completed
since both the defense and prosecution
could each select a certain number
of jurors to be further deleted.

As the afternoon grew older
selected jurors became less bolder
as their chances slimmed to bolt,
somewhat resigned was I
as close to the end the prosecutor
called my name to say good-bye.

Herbert Holzbauer
© September 2005

Midi: "So Rare"
Composers: Jerry Herst & Jack Sharpe
Sequencer: Herb Harari
(snickandsmodoo.com)

Graphic: "Jury"
Sketch by: Walt Stewart
(www.cnn.com)