Elegy for Edward

 Elegy for Edward 


Tonight I think of Edward James 

Due to die in two days time

For crimes committed thirty years ago

The end of days is faced alone


But for some friends from here and there

There’s Debra in Wyoming

And lifelines Peter in old Dublin

And Nels his faithful lawyer. 


The tide is washing on the rocks

As it has for centuries 

And will again in three days time

When Edward is a memory. 


This wide ocean separates 

The Canaries and  distant Florida 

But our wishes travel thru the ether

And on the waves that join the seas. 


Release from death row a relief

Perhaps but every drop of life 

Is savored when condemned 

And God seems sometimes distant. 


This Thursday is the fateful day

Settled by the court in Florida

We think of Edward and his victims

May they see the Friday face of God. 

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