Shots ring out clear
“A sinner is loose! 
don’t let her near
quick grab the noose

Spear through the heart
stony-faced stares
must set her apart
glassy-eyed glares

Knife in the back
devil’s deceit
stretch out the rack
her due complete

Hammer through head
still she can see
they wish her dead
won’t let her be

Sword severs neck
they smile at this
they’ve stacked the deck
she hears them hiss

Cleansing now done
they rinse their hands
last hymn is sung
righteous one stands

Covered in blood
she lies in path
splashed with mud
of aftermath

They pass her by
pretend not to hear
echo of cry
haunting and near

She knows not what
could have been done
to change her lot
to save her son

He lay there too
angry dismayed
his words rang true –
Love should have stayed

Wounded weary
two travel now
listless leery
not knowing how

they’ll ever trust
community
know to shake dust
turn and break free

Still with shotgun
the others stand
ready to shun
not understand

~~
Secretly she
wishes to take
a bullet from
her .38
~~