He introduces exhibit A
a picture of me with an infectious smile
the courtroom is silent with shock
because my heart is on trial.

They couldn't believe that the person
in the picture was actually me
that there were once happy times
that I hadn't just created in my memory.


The state's evidence was building against me
they called witness after witness
it was so bad by the time they were finished
they might as well have handed down the death sentence.


I was trying to fight the charges
but they had so much proof
I took the stand to testify on my behalf
but in the end, it was no use.


Deliberations were over
I stood shaking in front of the judge
I wasn't ready for the punishment
no matter what it was.


I didn't know if I was being committed
perhaps then, I'd have no objection
because I was basically driving on a one way street
headed in the wrong direction.


He read the verdict, "life without the possibility of parole"
he said I was a threat to humanity
the crime…loving you
the plea…guilty by reason of insanity.