Poem by Timothy Gager

Illustration by James Conant



Hungover for Jury Duty

Maybe it was the beer I had at 4:30,
the day before my appointment,
leading to...more beer,
bourbon with hot lemon and honey
(for my cold) then scotch
on the rocks, a favorite
nightcap for the drive home,
take it slow buddy...take it slow.

8 AM at the Office of Deeds
I’ll say anything to go home,
I’m a liberal with a wrongful arrest record,
I’m a social worker and I’m needed,
I know the victim today,
which case?
All of them.

I’m guilty.
They’re all guilt today…
or innocent,
whichever comes quickest.