Each drop of ink contains a fair supply
of bloodshed from two early-stolen lives
high-school sweethearts through to middle age
inseparable even at their slaughter
at their cottage sanctuary, turned crime scene

Each drop of ink contains a fair supply
of mournersÂ’ tears for a retired couple
exemplary influences as teacher and principal
to so many of Ottawa's youth
before riddled by invaders armed with hunting rifles
the younger offender confessing his premeditated
openness to kill, if confronted, thirsty for the
experience

Each drop of daily ink on press and trial documents
defiles with the judgeÂ’s decree -
that the confessed co-murdererÂ’s right
to anonymity and gentler sentencing
by privilege of youth
must be protected

11/13/2003

Author's Note: * The “Each drop of ink contains a fair supply” line was assigned to me, to use for a class poetry of witness piece, and belongs to Polish Poet Wislawa Szymborska (from her poem The Joy of Writing)

** for Bob Dagenais, Ottawa, Ontario retired principal, nicknamed Mr.Dage, by one of his many fond students, and for his wife, retired teacher, Bonnie, murdered Nov.23, 2002. The Dagenais were also high school friends of my brother and my husband (who also was friends with Bob in elementary grades). I knew them less well, as seniors to me at Champlain High School, Ottawa.

The verdict for the other murderer, tried as an adult, was arrived at by jury today as Guilty of First Degree Murder on both counts, and he faces at least 25 years in prison. The youth’s trial is pending. He was sixteen at the time of the crime. Several jurors broke down in tears once the verdict was given, and their work done. Don't be afraid to comment please.

Posted on 11/14/2003
Copyright © 2024 Maureen Glaude