Martha Deed
The Open Courtroom Conceit

It is my privilege to limit as many justices as I can hold in the palm of my fist
affirmatively and without allowing any proceeding to be heard.
so I will assign guards to make larger fires than you've ever seen
and my report will exclude all flame-related damage to your present letter
Remember that closed minds take freedom's security very seriously.
Therefore, my courtroom will accommodate closed—not open—minds
and anyone who attempts to hear all that the trial judge has to say
when pronouncing sentence will have no representative to stand in protest,
and I will have the smaller media I do prefer.

***

Author's comment: Oulipo based on letter from Hon. Thomas M. Van Strydonck, June 6, 2006, to Author's inquiry as to why a sentencing proceeding was closed to the public.

(go back)