William L. Domme

FLAWLESS CONVICTION

Each mistake is a catastrophe in the offing
Thoughtless and chaotic
Unlike a black hole
Because even those have rules
And their rules, like legalese, apply despite your ignorance.

As the dead were made to plead
So will the killer and his three accomplices
Accomplishing the finishing of their lives
Victims and convicted alike sentenced to die.

Fates sealed between the flop and fourth street
Evidence of a losing hand dumped at the river.

Might is right jacked up to eleven
On methamphetamine in a forge
Smelting prior trauma; yours, mine, and ours.
The conviction of killers that might is right.

Officers on the scene witness the obscene
The stiff stink of meth and death
Officers heading out after for a stiff drink.

Each mistake is a catastrophe in the offing
From the killing to the convicting
No one escapes unscathed. Lady Justice’s stiff upper lip
Witnesses the price every participant pays;
Cadavers, killers, judges, lawyers, and jurors.


William reads "Flawless Conviction":



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William confesses: "'Flawless Conviction' was inspired by a criminal case I read about in the local newspaper in Topeka, Kansas. It occurred to me that the ramifications of crime and punishment likely affect the people charged with carrying out the law in ways that are hard to imagine."


WILLIAM L. DOMME writes in Topeka, Kansas. He has published the western horror novel, The Confluence, and two short story collections. He is a contributor to seveneightfive magazine and works full-time as a scopist proofreading transcripts for court reporters. His work can be found at atypeofwriter.com. Twitter: @atypeofwriter