Duke Drew declaring his innocence,
Ransomed himself from a jury trial.
Dreamt of return to public presence,
Drawing comfort from delusional denial.
Cone Man had no sympathy,
What man was entitled to exemption?
Cone Man had empathy:
What man would not seek redemption?
Cone Man had no illusions:
Society would never forgive or forget.
When would cruel reality dawn,
Closing in on some dreary morn?
Terrible sin without excuse,
Enduring public abuse.
Could not leave town, live it down,
Or endure society’s freezing frown,
Inevitably asking: ‘What’s the use?’
Becoming an embittered recluse.
© Craig Turney
