Guilty Is Better Regarded

“Victim Services are for the guilty.”
I tell my brother. “Law looks

kindly on folk who admit they’re guilty,
and despises the innocent. I know

you didn’t do it, but V.S. help
you cope with intrusive questions

that makes you go through it all over
again. Parts of you will enjoy that.

Innocent will be banged up
as no room for weak in this place.

Paul Brookes was poetry performer with “Rats for Love” and his work included in “Rats for Love: The Book”, Bristol Broadsides, 1990. His first chapbook was “The Fabulous Invention Of Barnsley”, Dearne Community Arts, 1993. He has read his work on BBC Radio Bristol and had a creative writing workshop for sixth formers broadcast on BBC Radio Five Live. Recently published in “I Am Not A Silent Poet”, “The Beatnik Cowboy”, “Clear Poetry”, “Red Fez”. Much more about Paul Brookes can be found via his web site by clicking here…