The Stranger

I

I sit in the court:
They wave the Rainbow Flag at my face.
They say, "Your comment caused,
"Yes, it caused, this poor Zir
"To die. You have no regret, do you?"
I, undisturbed, say, "My freedom
"Is worth more than their life.
"I did not mean to offend like so.
"I never found where she lived,
"Sent assassins to her home,
"Ruined her livelihood,
"Teased her in such a manner.
"I only said it was a sin
"And the ruination of society."
They cut off my head.

II

I sit in the court.
They parade my previous offenses in front of my face.
They say, "You committed this offence
"And you feel no more guilt.
"Do you not regret your sins?"
I, undisturbed, say, "My joy
"Is worth more than my grief.
"I suffered enough for this,
"And paid my debt.
"I did my penance, now let me be happy.
"I never will claim to be a good man.
"But, I will claim that I have a right to joy and peace.
"I have shed too many tears;
"And my tears have been shed. Let my grief be pacified."
They put me in prison for life.