Murder Was My Sin
A lyrical story
Newer followers may not yet know this, but along with news and commentary I also occasionally post fiction and lyrical poetry; what is below, is both.
One of my poetic ballads, from 2006…
Murder Was My Sin
I can hear the footstep's echo
coming down the corridor,
I know where they are going -
and who they’re coming for.
A pace that slowed, to a crawl…
then stopped at my cell-door,
a final freedom beckons me, as I
know what is in store.
I’d shot my older brother while
he slept one noon away,
put the barrel to his ear and
hollowed out his brain.
I called the Sheriff to let him know
of what I’d done that day,
then fired up a final cig while the
cops were on their way.
I admitted that I did it…
and I looked them in the eye,
told them I had no regrets and
did not tell a lie.
I left the jury no cause for guilt
when they sentenced me to die,
’though it may have made a difference…
if I had told them ‘why.’
I felt a hatred toward him and
I could not gain control,
if I’d not seen the evidence -
I never would have known.
He should have never touched her
with that evil in his soul -
he was her trusted uncle…
and she was twelve years old.
My child had suffered far-too-much
at the hands of her kin,
I would not put her through the trial
just to save my skin.
So I kept my silence - and accepted -
that murder was my sin,
at least I know damned-good-and-well
he’ll not touch her again.
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Notes…
-- Original version written May, 2006; this edition has been spruced up a wee bit, for the sake of rhythm.
-- Unless otherwise credited, all images were created by the author, using Substack’s AI Image Generator.
Dark but excellent and Lauren is right - the perfect Johnny Cash type piece.
Would have loved to hear Johnny Cash sing that.