The Final Trial

Black suits and ties, white shirts, hazy stares

Stay still, don't panic, hear what you must bear.

* * *

The Trial proceeds, the board evaluates:

What to do with the life you did create?

* * *

Are you a monster, or are you a saint?

* * *

Nobody bears scars from your hands,

Yet you watched them plunder cities and lands.

* * *

When evil was cherished, their statues raised,

Bent was your back, and calm stayed your face.

* * *

You did not harm, you did not fight

Is that wrong, or is that right?

* * *

Are you a monster, or are you a saint?

* * *

There are souls you've torn; don't lie, be sincere

Meals for your ego, cloth for your tears.

* * *

Pretended affection in smoothest words;

Thirst sated, you left the rest in the dirt.

* * *

Those who called you friend were caught in the fray - 

You used them as a ladder, then cast them away.

* * *

Are you a monster, or are you a saint?

* * *

The frost-crust cracks, the first bloom begins 

Dust settles deep in the wrinkles of skin

* * *

"They told you to do it, time was not right" - so you claim.

Should obedience earn you a kiss from the saint?

* * *

Excuses will not suffice. Hold your breath; don't be sorry.

The judge is in session; you're in purgatory.