May 2017
I was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Virginia in the first class admitting women. After 30+ years in Kansas City, I still miss the ocean, but love the writing community I’ve found through The Writers Place. To see my books and sample poems, please visit me at www.alariepoet.com.
Justice for All
Over 200 prospective jurors
swell the room. Good Americans.
The court clerk praises us for coming.
Congratulations for stepping up —
for filing behind our military on the front
line of valor. She applauds us
for keeping our streets safe, helping
our neighbors as we might one day
need help. A filmstrip validates
how we are upholding our Constitution,
preserving our freedom and justice.
Now who here feels that jury duty
poses an extreme hardship?
Half the room forms a line
to leave.
© 2017 Alarie Tennille
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