BY THE LAW

The old man walked a weary pace
And those who glimpsed his weathered face
Thought only this by what they saw,
"He was quite old by the law."

He walked down through secluded streets,
By shadowed arches where none greets
Such shy and retiring folk
Now wrapped in a tattered cloak.

With staff in hand he shuffled on
And before too awfully long
Came to a store, that late at night,
Exhibited a single light.

A tender knock upon the door
And then upon the wooden floor
The foot falls came from inside,
To the door, then locks to slide.

The door opened but a crack
And bony arms produced a sack
And shook it in impatient manor
For came the sound of horses canter.

The old man took sack in hand
Then whispered softly in demand,
"Let me in for moments please."
And pushed the door enough to squeeze

Into the shop in dimmest light
Then closed the door upon the night.
"You know what this could mean for me?"
Disaster, yes, I do agree.

But for these moments let me hide
Within your shop while police ride
Their horses down this cobbled street
With few to see and none to greet."

Okay old friend but let me say,
Don't come back another day
For I, like you, in the night
Can only live far out of sight.

I agree, your right, my friend.
Though it may mean my end
I shall not cause you further pain
When I leave, I shall remain

Faithful to your kindness shown
And leave you peacefully alone."
The policeman's horse chopped along,
passed them by and then was gone

Across the block to other places
To check the doors and watch the faces.

"Thank you friend, I shall now leave,
I surely meant not to deceive,
It's all right friend, to return.
I spoke in haste, without concern."

The old man emerged once again
To the street which he called friend
And walked in shadows toward his home,
A meager room for he alone.

Upon the table he placed the bag
And then, through his cloaken rag,
He heartily drew from within
A labeled can made of tin.

A tattered label made of blue
Read, "Six ounces of beef stew."
A smile crossed his aged lips
As his struggling finger tips

Wrestled open the small can
To expose a feast most grand.
Their by a lamp, in coffee cup
He stirred and calmly heated up

This first meal of that long day
And then brought forth some bread to say,
"Bless this food I eat dear Lord."
Then ate his efforts small reward.

With lamp alone to stay the chill
He settled back to rest his fill.
Tired by his evening on the go
He turned to hear his radio.

Though of battery design
Still he could, from time to time,
Listen to the news or such.
After all, there was no

"Today the police report that they have arrested three
more adults for allegedly harboring and feeding their aged
parents. These adult children face a mandatory two years in
prison if convicted. The authorities have asked us to remind
all listeners that allowing aged relatives a painless demise
after age sixty two is the merciful duty of devoted children.
The Society For Choice also advises that their services are
available, free of charge, for those children wishing to offer
parents a dignified and painless.............

The old man with shaking hand
Turned off the radio's demand
And rolled over on his side..
"May God above help me decide."

~Robert E Browne~

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