Justice

A glance at the store window reveals
what my dress cannot conceal.
Knocked up he had sneered, knocking me down.

Head held high in the jostling crowd
of a half-hour subway ride
Crowd flow carries me to the sidewalk.

The journey’s purpose looms before me

A massive building befitting the institution
daunting stairsteps taunting me like an unsolved mystery
My destiny determined by a sober man.

My hand presses against my back
easing the perpetual throbbing
while I yearn for delivery day

Today I waddle slowly up the concrete stairs

Inside the rotunda
the curving marble staircase embraces me like a guardian
rising gracefully to the hall of righteousness

Today the judge will rule
for the plaintiff, for me, for justice
My baby will have a father.

Well deserved, justice served