no one wants to be there. many of us glitter
like the sea in sunshine, shedding sweat
or tears at the mere thought of a criminal
court. such proximity to police, to cuffs
and charges. to be trapped playing a role
in some tragedy, condemner uncomfortably
close to the condemned. many others think
instantly of opportunity costs: time is money.
who can afford to spend three-to-five days’
worth listening to the lawyers coming and
going through the oceans of files, talking
of boys who were no angels? no. to serve is
a right and our duty, each to each—but
the potential juror peers into the courtroom
as if it were quarantined for the plague.