Burden of Proof

Written June 19, 2012

it’s not that i have nothing to say,
sir,
or even that i don’t know what,
but i guess time’s passage and
a rushed “empowerment”—

(pardon my bitter laugh)—

have silenced and shamed me
more than they brought me peace.

i know,
i know,
that i deserve better,

but if one thing tells me otherwise,
it’s a scumbag and a system
that supports him.

if they find him “not responsible,”
then who else is there to blame?

me.
only me,
to carry this weight,
and guilt and hate,

that drag me down,
even today.