The summons arrived by U.S. mail

Oozing legal efflorescence

The Superior Court of California

Seeks the honor of your presence

We’ll provide the opportunity

For some schmuck despite his fears

To let him have his day in court

Before a jury of his peers

I suppressed a little chuckle

And then I laughed out loud

I considered for a moment

What the system has allowed

There is a box that you can check

If your memory’s not sufficient

Or to ask the court for an excuse

If you’re mentally deficient

Mom wouldn’t know to check that box

Despite the form’s intent

I wondered just how many folks

Have been seated with malcontent

I assisted her to complete the form

Asking for a medical excuse

But there’s another million out there

Which begs the question what’s the use?

I suspect the jury pool is full

Of folks dumb not like a fox

And I’d hate to think it might be true

She’d be the bright bulb in the box

So this problem has to swing full circle

To support the system I agree

God forbid possibly someday

That poor schmuck might be me

Copyright 2010 Patrick A. Granfors