Intraheinously

(on the execution of Stanley Tookie Williams, Dec. 13. 2005)

In deepest night, when evils are abroad
And darkest deeds are hidden from the Lord
Or so they think (but darkness is God's noon
And by His light comes judgement to their doom),

Painstakingly they searched the vein where pain
Would enter after truthseekers in vain
Appealed for clemency, repentance-led,
But death-eaters demanded to be fed.

To mark the season of our Savior's birth,
Governor Schwarzenegger showed his worth
By terminating life God in the womb
Had knit, to satiate a whitewashed tomb.

Twenty-four years waiting for execution
Until they sent a priest for absolution,
But long before, the court of Heav'n decided
And Jesus to the Father had confided

That Tookie Williams, like the man who died
After he had confessed by Jesus' side
(Who calls for mercy and not sacrifice),
This very day would enter Paradise.

Dec. 13, 2005