This past Monday, the trial of Michael Slager resulted in a mistrial. For those who are unaware, Michael Slager is on trial for the murder of Walter Scott who was shot April 4, 2015. The trial has received a strong public interest, initially due to the video evidence of the shooting. After the announcement of the mistrial, Scott's mother, Judy Scott, publicly delivered an emotional message. She discussed her religious beliefs and stated that she wasn't upset, because she knew that, one day, justice would be served by God. While I thought this was a beautiful perspective to have, I was shocked by the amount of Facebook comments that criticized her for her religious beliefs. People were encouraging her to be more angry and hateful. People mocked the beliefs that have carried her through the tragedy of losing a child. They encouraged hate to be fought with more hate. And so I wrote this poem.
In Defense of Judy Scott
We understand not unprivileged dreamers
Who live in folly and illusions deep,
Who cling to rosaries on TV and weep,
Trusting the scales of their redeemer.
We spit venom at their peace;
Advocate anger, violence, guns
But condemn these actions when done;
“Your God cannot injustice cease.”
Do we want a wound drenched in salt-
A martyr on the stand? Or do we
Need a pounding, withered hand to see
How she copes with Atropos’ fault?
How selfish it is to demand these woes
From a mother who watched her kin's demise.
How selfish it is to reap what Lethe sows
While convicting pastoral lies.
The digital age has robbed our minds
Of clarity, sympathy – soul!
Judgement is cast, no justice to find,
Thread snipped and bell tolled.
