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RETRIBUTION

(T. Beechey)



A troubled young man, denied of love, climbed high above the city street

He left his feet and didn't fly and now he lies beneath a sheet

Not many knew, but the few who did tried to kid themselves with the thought

That they were not responsible, but even a fool wouldn't be caught

They all had laughed behind his back till the blackness dulled his every dream

They deemed him unfit, turned him aside, took away his pride and dimmed his gleam

Not many knew, but the few who did made riddles and jeers at his demise

They didn't disguise their cruel remarks, but soon a spark began to rise



Unbeknownest to all of them, the blemish that they strove to spread

Would instead come back to haunt every taunt that each had said  

Not many knew, but the few who did, they hid their eyes to conceal their shame

As he came one morning into view because they knew they were to blame

To each he appeared in different ways: to some in a haze, to others a mist

But, to all, he hissed a solemn vow to somehow erase each from the list

Not many knew, but the few who did became a grid upon his chart

And soon he'd start to check each off and silence each scoff they did impart



He returned to collect upon a debt that had been set against his will

And not until the cost was paid would his shade be rendered nil

Not many knew, but the few who did tried to rid themselves of all their guilt

By building truthless alibis but all their lies soon began to wilt

They knew the truth, knew it well, but couldn't tell just because

All of their flaws would be exposed to those who write unwritten laws

Not many knew, but the few who did all bid adieu to their innocence

Since they all played a prominent role and each one's soul was the evidence



Their excuses flowed like crashing waves, each yearned to save their souls indeed

They pleaded and begged but all in vain --- his pain, upon them, did proceed

Not many knew, but the few who did, little by little became uneased

First by degrees, then steadily worse without reverse and he was pleased

With the natural passage of time, the crime to all was magnified

They couldn't hide and couldn't run and, one by one, began a slide

Not many knew, but the few who did, all slid into a deep despair

And there was nothing left to say, they chose their way and it seemed fair