‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the courthouse,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a louse.

The judge’s nameplate was secured with care,

In hopes that His Honor would soon be there.

The defendants were nestled in the gallery,

With visions of no-show witnesses so they could go free.

And ASAs and public defenders and bailiffs in suits

Crowded around files, with justice in high pursuit.

“He got drunk by mistake, how ‘bout a plea to the B?”

“No! He hit a police officer, then tried to flee!”

And so the exchange went between defense and state,

Until he came through the doors, always so late.

Instead of bags full of gifts, he dragged in a case

Filled with annotations; I wish I had Mace.

His Santa belly was full, his beard was white,

His nose pointed upwards, always thought he was right.

“This is a nolle, Ms. State. You’re wasting your time and mine.”

His voice bellowed deeply as he continued to opine.

“Then let’s try the case, my officer is here.”

I called the case for trial with little to fear.

“The State calls Officer Morrison,” who then took the stand.

The clerk swore him in as he held up his right hand.

“He was as drunk as a skunk, Your Honor, his BAC a 0.21.”

His words were worth gold, which made my job fun.

“Lack of foundation! It calls for expert opinion!”

“Objection overruled. There’s no demand for a breath technician.”

As the evidence against his client began to amass,

I got into the holiday season, I wished it would last.

I thought of Rudolph and presents and Christmas cheer.

But when the state rested and closing was near,

Bad Santa stood up with a smile of the Grinch,

“The State failed to prove jurisdiction!” I felt a pinch.

I didn’t ask the question, I regretted it soon after,

There was no “Ho Ho Ho.” Bad Santa snorted with laughter.

With the burn of a loss, I apologized to the man,

“With a mistake like this,” he said “you won’t make it again.

You learn more by losing. Shake it off when you fall.”

His warmheartedness and kindness were the best gift of all.

Powered by Bookmarkify™